Buster Passes The Bar

Buster's jury duty process was the same as mine, but he got to the next level of the process. His name was read as part of Group #1 for today. A deputy came to lead Group #1 of 110 potential jurors to the courtroom where they would potentially be spending several days.

Once they were all settled in the courtroom, the judge explained a few items to them all. They could be excused at the beginning of the process for an assortment of reasons. The judge told them what the case was about, then asked if any of them had either heard about the case on the news, or if they had experienced a similar trauma in their own life or the life of a close relative. Unfortunately, several people raised their hands and were excused for this difficult life impact.

As soon as he heard the gist of the case, Buster really wanted to be excused. Then when the judge said if the case moved forward as expected, the trial would be over by next Tuesday, Buster really, really wanted to be excused. Missing that much school felt pretty overwhelming.

The judge listed a few more reasons you could request dismissal:

1) A medical condition that could be negatively impacted by sitting in a courtroom for the week.

2) A medical appointment that could not be moved and if missed would negatively impact your health.

3) If you were a full-time student.

Huge sigh of relief for our boy, but he still had to stand and plead his case.

Before he had his turn, several people went before him to explain why they were requesting dismissal, including a woman who said she was the sole breadwinner for her family. The judge commiserated, but said he was denying the request because it was a civic duty to potentially serve, and though it was only $40/day, jurors are paid a bit of money.

When it was Buster's turn, he had to state his name, then spell it, then explain that he was a full-time student. The judge asked what he was studying, he replied, then the judge told him he was dismissed.

As glad as I am that Buster was released, I hope the woman who had the financial concerns was able to be dismissed for some reason, too.

I picked him up from the "Hall of Justice" around 10:30 and everyone at home was glad to see him and hear his stories. Another new experience added to the life list.