I wasn't feeling very enthusiastic about showing up for jury selection with 70 others on Thursday, but the day in the courthouse left me with plenty of time to rethink my attitude. I left with tremendous respect for the people who make the judicial system work. Watching the process unfold, I saw the trouble and expense to which the federal government goes to uphold the integrity of our Constitution, the Sixth Amendment of which provides for trial by a jury of one's peers to prevent the court's abusing its power.
We represented less than half of the 180 individuals who received a summons to show up on this date. We left behind home, family, and perhaps a day's wages to respond so the court could choose from among us 14 persons who together would decide the fate of a New London man accused of possessing cocaine and firearms with the intent to sell both.
As the hours rolled by, I took in the grandeur of the Kennedy-era courtroom, the vast and gold leaf panel on the wall behind the judge, the respectful silence of each of us. The government would pay each of us $40 for the day plus round trip mileage. The jurors themselves will receive this compensation for each day of the trial. The judge spoke with each one of us individually to determine our suitability for a seat on the jury.
"All this for you?" I thought as the accused turned around in his chair to look us over from time to time, doodled, and drank when he was thirsty.
And if he is guilty? Does he deserve this much time and money?
Yes. Because the process is about the integrity of the process itself and the integrity of the Constitution. That's worth a trip to Hartford. Both are priceless.
If he is guilty, may the full force and weight of justice weigh heavily on this young man.
That justice will be served and so many cooperate in seeing it served is a blessing.
Blog Your Blessings
We represented less than half of the 180 individuals who received a summons to show up on this date. We left behind home, family, and perhaps a day's wages to respond so the court could choose from among us 14 persons who together would decide the fate of a New London man accused of possessing cocaine and firearms with the intent to sell both.
As the hours rolled by, I took in the grandeur of the Kennedy-era courtroom, the vast and gold leaf panel on the wall behind the judge, the respectful silence of each of us. The government would pay each of us $40 for the day plus round trip mileage. The jurors themselves will receive this compensation for each day of the trial. The judge spoke with each one of us individually to determine our suitability for a seat on the jury.
"All this for you?" I thought as the accused turned around in his chair to look us over from time to time, doodled, and drank when he was thirsty.
And if he is guilty? Does he deserve this much time and money?
Yes. Because the process is about the integrity of the process itself and the integrity of the Constitution. That's worth a trip to Hartford. Both are priceless.
If he is guilty, may the full force and weight of justice weigh heavily on this young man.
That justice will be served and so many cooperate in seeing it served is a blessing.
Blog Your Blessings
Sandy Carlson Social