“There’s lots of motifs that evoke your middle school US History book. But also it’s a municipal building, so there’s some half-dead plants and broken drinking fountains that are taped up with plastic. It’s a good vibe– grand, but using tax dollars wisely to just barely maintain it.” Love this!
Also loved how much you enjoyed this. I felt the same way about serving on a grand jury in Brooklyn. Though it was to a little disturbing to see what goes on.
I LOVE hearing about people's jury duty experiences. The first time I was called for jury duty I was 25 I think and my experience was a bit similar to yours (though I went to the courthouse near Brooklyn Borough Hall). My coworkers told me I'd sit in the big room all day, so I came prepared with a book and my gameboy, but my name was literally the first one called by that day's Bill. From there, I was interviewed and quickly found myself sitting on a week long trial. My fellow jurors also took the job very seriously and we requested tons of information from the judge and lawyers while we deliberated for like a whole day.
For some reason we didn't leave for lunch, it was provided for us, which feels wild? It was your basic sandwiches, but still lovely. Also one day we asked if we could have something for dessert and they gave us a heaping cookie platter!
As a fellow civic participation nerd, I would rate my experience at 12/10.
My name is Bill, I have a mustache, and I'm really into civic engagement. But sadly I wasn't that Bill.
I once got to sit through the jury selection process for a murder trial in San Francisco. My name was never called (they had called a pool of several hundred jurors for 12 slots) but just watching the jury selection process was fascinating. A bunch of people got out being on the jury by claiming that they would consider the defendant guilty if he didn't testify.
Have served on two juries, once as foreman...am on call for early February to serve again. In Sacramento, the time between possible service periods is 2 years, not 4, which probably speaks to the size of the potential jury pool here vs. NYC. It's always an interesting look into another world!!
Ha this was super entertaining! And hi Sachi, I found you on Substack after recognizing your name from the L4G days!
For those curious to further demystify the judicial process and understand the courts’ impact on marginalized communities, I recommend Court Watch NYC. It's a volunteer-run anti-carceral project that trains New Yorkers to observe and collect data on arraignments- https://www.courtwatchnyc.org/ They run virtual training, with upcoming sessions announced on their social media.
LOL. I love this. I have gotten jury duty so many times in so many different states that I am officially over it, but I'm glad you had fun and these tips are 5 stars
“There’s lots of motifs that evoke your middle school US History book. But also it’s a municipal building, so there’s some half-dead plants and broken drinking fountains that are taped up with plastic. It’s a good vibe– grand, but using tax dollars wisely to just barely maintain it.” Love this!
Also loved how much you enjoyed this. I felt the same way about serving on a grand jury in Brooklyn. Though it was to a little disturbing to see what goes on.
Oooh grand jury! New #lifegoals 🤩
I LOVE hearing about people's jury duty experiences. The first time I was called for jury duty I was 25 I think and my experience was a bit similar to yours (though I went to the courthouse near Brooklyn Borough Hall). My coworkers told me I'd sit in the big room all day, so I came prepared with a book and my gameboy, but my name was literally the first one called by that day's Bill. From there, I was interviewed and quickly found myself sitting on a week long trial. My fellow jurors also took the job very seriously and we requested tons of information from the judge and lawyers while we deliberated for like a whole day.
For some reason we didn't leave for lunch, it was provided for us, which feels wild? It was your basic sandwiches, but still lovely. Also one day we asked if we could have something for dessert and they gave us a heaping cookie platter!
As a fellow civic participation nerd, I would rate my experience at 12/10.
Cookie platter! Jury queen. 👸
My name is Bill, I have a mustache, and I'm really into civic engagement. But sadly I wasn't that Bill.
I once got to sit through the jury selection process for a murder trial in San Francisco. My name was never called (they had called a pool of several hundred jurors for 12 slots) but just watching the jury selection process was fascinating. A bunch of people got out being on the jury by claiming that they would consider the defendant guilty if he didn't testify.
Bill, you would really like Manhattan-jury-duty-boss Bill.
Have served on two juries, once as foreman...am on call for early February to serve again. In Sacramento, the time between possible service periods is 2 years, not 4, which probably speaks to the size of the potential jury pool here vs. NYC. It's always an interesting look into another world!!
Wow that is a big difference-- every 2 years vs 4. I hope you get on another jury next month!
Ha this was super entertaining! And hi Sachi, I found you on Substack after recognizing your name from the L4G days!
For those curious to further demystify the judicial process and understand the courts’ impact on marginalized communities, I recommend Court Watch NYC. It's a volunteer-run anti-carceral project that trains New Yorkers to observe and collect data on arraignments- https://www.courtwatchnyc.org/ They run virtual training, with upcoming sessions announced on their social media.
Gemma hiii! What an important resource! Thanks for sharing!
LOL. I love this. I have gotten jury duty so many times in so many different states that I am officially over it, but I'm glad you had fun and these tips are 5 stars