Jury Duty - What Would You Do?

[chknwing]

I had Jury Duty past 2 Days and was on the panel to be 1 of the jurors for the trial.  When the defense attorney was questioning potential jurors he elaborated more about the case.  He stated that it was about an illegal immigrant dealing drugs and was part of a gang that coerced him into doing so.  He mentioned where the crime took place.  It was at that moment I felt extremely uncomfortable being in that chair.  This crime happened in my neighborhood and a block from my house.  As I started to realize what this was about and the people this man was associated with my hands started to shake.  Admittedly, I was scared.  This is a small neighborhood.  I may not know that person but it doesn't mean he doesn't know me, seen me, or his associates don't know me.  When the attorney was asking me questions he asked me if I had any other issues or concerns about sitting on this trial.  I told him I do but can not discuss them in open court.  Theytook a recess and I expressed my concern to the lawyers and judge in private.  I was excused from the case.  I felt like I was taking additional risk and sacrificing my security and peace of mind.  I'd like to be able to go to the store or gas station without having to look over my shoulder.  I am torn between whether I was paranoid or that I had good reason to be concerned.

What would you have done?

[Arroz con Panther]

There's a reason they screen jurors.  I would have done exactly what you did.  No point in putting you or your family at risk.  

[rayzor]

Would have probably done the same thing. I'm not Clint Eastwood. 

[Anybodyhome]

What a puss. 

Just because there's some small chance you find yourself with a couple pounds of coke up your ass muling for a Mexican drug cartel back and forth across the border while they hold the health and safety of you and your family in the palms of their hands is no reason to shirk your responsibility. 

After all, while only 5% of the world's population resides in this country, we have nearly 25% of the total jail population of the world. No thanks to you, this number could actually drop. What good are we if we no longer have the balls to continue locking up minorities for non-violent crimes for years longer than middle class white guy who kills 4 people drunk driving. 

Man up!

 

 

 

Who says sarcasm doesn't translate to message boards very well?

 

[g5jamz]

You need to move.

[Still Brooklyn]

You had a connection to the case, period. You don't need to mention you were worried. You living in the neighborhood was enough for you to get excused.

[Kevin Greene]

Build a Wall.

[cam1uvrxoxo]

34 minutes ago, Kevin Greene said:

Build a Wall.

Make the jury pay for it

[Jimmy]

Good call

[PandaPancake]

I think you did the right thing

[thefuzz]

It was the correct call, no question.