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* AP…
Former President Barack Obama, free of a job that forced him to move to Washington for eight years, showed up to a downtown Chicago courthouse for jury duty on Wednesday morning.
The 44th president’s motorcade - considerably shorter than the one he had when he lived in the White House - left his home in the Kenwood neighborhood on the city’s South Side and arrived at the Richard J. Daley Center shortly after 10 a.m.
Obama - wearing a dark sport coat, dress shirt, but without a tie - waved to people who gathered outside after hearing reports that he would be reporting for jury duty.
Whether he will be selected to sit on a jury, and presumably be selected jury foreman, was not known. But if he is like other would-be jurors, Obama will have to watch a decades-old video in which a much younger Lester Holt, who was a local news anchor before he became a national news anchor, explains the ins-and-outs of jury duty.
* And then…
Former President Barack Obama has been dismissed from jury duty.
The former president arrived at the Richard J. Daley Center in downtown Chicago for jury duty shortly after 10 a.m. on Wednesday. By noon, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans was telling reporters that Obama won’t be serving.
* The Question: Have you ever been called for jury duty? If so, did you actually end up serving? Either way, tell us about your experience.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:29 pm
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I was called for jury duty at Maywood, didn’t end up being selected as the case settled in the hallway.
I love it - gives the same warm civic feelings that voting does. I was also making hourly at the time and had a terrible boss, so it was nice to look forward to it. And the video was pretty charming, as was getting to meet some of the other prospective jurors in the room.
Comment by EVanstonian Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:36 pm
Called for jury duty twice. 1st time I was actually scheduled to be in court as a prosecution witness in another case and was excused. 2nd time I was excused as the single parent of a special needs child with a seizure disorder who had to be able to be reached by phone at any time if something would happen at school. I honestly think if I ever showed up my Tourette’s Syndrome would keep them from wanting me there for long.
Comment by HangingOn Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:41 pm
Just once. It was for an attempted murder trial. Sat in the gallery while the attorneys questioned potential jurors. They took the first 14 and the rest of us were dismissed. It was a painless process.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:43 pm
I was called once and was not selected to serve. It was a civil case involving a dog attack on a person. The victim was suing the dog’s owner for damages including mental health care; claiming she developed agoraphobia as a result of the attack. One of the attorneys (can’t remember if it was the prosecution or defense) kept referring to the condition as “agriphobia”. (fear of farming?)
Only myself and one other candidate raised our hands when asked if anyone was familiar with the condition. I politely pointed out the attorney’s mispronunciation and disclosed I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling. I thought my training and experience would make me a good juror but apparently not. I wasn’t disappointed by not being selected. It didn’t sound like a very exciting case.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:45 pm
Served on a grand jury and it was extremely interesting. Grand juries are nothing like what you see on TV.
Comment by Homer J. Quinn Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:47 pm
Yes — in DuPage.
Nice waiting room, good experience. Once I got called, once I got dismissed.
What I didn’t like — and what shocked me a bit — is the anger of people waiting in the waiting room. Many people did not want to be there. At all. And they were peeved. Like, really peeved.
The other thing that shocked me was sitting in the jury box waiting to be picked (or not) and having to answer questions from the lawyers. I was shocked by all felonies and misdemeanors my fellow jurors had. I mean, I don’t have any — but I rememeber sitting in the box and hearing a lot about domestic violence and shoplifting from the people all around me. Weird, I thought.
Judge asked me — ironically, I think — what was in my past. I said, well, not much. Nothing really. That one, I was picked.
Comment by Mr. K Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:48 pm
I’ve been called twice. The first time I was not put on a panel. The second time I was on a jury for a med-mal case.
It came as a surprise, since I’ve spent much of my career as a defense lawyer. However, I promised to be impartial, and I was.
Throughout the trial, I made sure that nobody in the jury room discussed the merits. We did talk about some of the technical matters of what is going on. We talked about objections (without referencing any specifically) and made sure everybody knew we were to follow the judge’s instructions. When we were to have evidence by video, I made sure they knew to treat it like any other witness, even though many want to fall asleep during video evidence.
When we were sent out, over my objection, I was made foreman. We deliberated several hours and came back with a defense verdict.
I still think the plaintiff’s attorney blames me. In reality, we all agreed he did not prove his case.
After we came back, I spoke at length to the defense attorney and trial judge (the plaintiff’s guy left in a huff and really missed something). I’d been before the trial judge numerous times. It was great hearing their perspective of what went on and I was happy to let them know what the jurors thought (it is completely legal to discuss it after a verdict). The plaintiff’s attorney really could have learned from it. The one sort of funny thing is that the defense attorney told us that he really did change some of the focus of his arguments knowing that I would understand them and convey them to the jury. He was right. It wasn’t bias. I just was familiar with concepts he raised and evidence presented and the argument did have an appeal to me (and the rest of the jury).
I really thought it was a great experience. All trial lawyers should do it at least once.
Comment by Gooner Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:49 pm
Served on a grand jury in a murder trial. Learned a lot about the process. Glad I did but would prefer not to do again. A whole different perspective when you are selected to judge someone’s guilt or innocence.
Comment by Boat captain Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:50 pm
Adventures in adult babysitting, literally. I did learn that contempt of court is not to be sneered at like Al Pacino did in the cinema.
Comment by Puddintaine Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:51 pm
I was actually called for jury duty for the first time in my life just last month. And that’s after being registered to vote since I turned 18, and diligently updating over five counties in Illinois and also in three separate states.
It was a civil case where the defendant had filed a counter suit against the plaintiff. Sounded as though it could be interesting. I did not get chosen to serve, however.
Comment by thunderspirit Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:52 pm
I was called twice but dismissed both times. The second time the Judge went around and asked potential jurors if they knew any of the attorneys or parties to the case… I said no but told the Judge I knew him (via politics)… the Judge snapped at me and exclaimed he’s not a party to the case… I was dismissed shortly afterwards.
Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:57 pm
I was called once, on a drunk driving case. On voir dire I admitted I’d pled guilty to DUI once, and the defendant and his attorney nodded and smiled. But when the judge asked if I belonged to MADD or another organization that had a policy on drunk driving, I said I was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and they quit smiling. I was excused for cause, and they didn’t even have to use a challenge on me.
Comment by olddog Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:58 pm
Called about a half dozen times, never even sent to a courtroom. Daley Center, Markham, 26th and Cal. FYI, that video is indeed very old and was put together on a volunteer basis by a local bar association. Info is still good, so I guess they figure why change it.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 2:59 pm
I served on a jury for a resisting arrest and assault on a police officer case. It was not much fun. Jury box chairs were original to the building and were very hard on my back. After three days in the courtroom I spent two days in bed recovering.
Comment by very old soil Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:00 pm
Yes. Federal grand jury, 18 months, plus 3 month extension. One day a week at Dirksen. Second floor cafeteria is ok. METRA was great.
IMO, much truth to the point of a good prosecutor (AUSA) being able to persuade a GJ to “Indict a ham sandwich”.
Comment by Anon Downstate Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:02 pm
3 times, never served. 3rd time was part of a large group, murder trial. Thursday before, there was a guilty plea, was dismissed (phone call to computer) on Sunday night. 2nd time, dismissed on Monday night, made auditors very happy (we were being audited).
1st time was the best, as I had just moved cross country for Grad School. Summons was forwarded to Grad School, sent it back with a letter saying I appreciated their offer to fly me home and put me up in a hotel close to my family. Can’t imagine why I wasn’t called. /s
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:02 pm
I have been called 5 times, all dismissed. 4 because I was active duty, the last because i changed counties 2 years prior and they didnt update their info.
Comment by Troy Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:03 pm
Called twice. They have you in groups and you call in to see if they want your group to report. I didn’t have to. My dad was called once after he retired and was really excited about it. He was dismissed because of a family member working in the Public Defender’s office. Woo-hoo he was mad.
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:06 pm
I have been called twice. Sangamon County both times.
The first time it was a manslaughter case, and I was dismissed as my brother had been murdered a few years earlier. They felt my experience with that would color my feelings toward the accused.
The second time, it was a case of attempted assault with a motor vehicle. A young woman and her elderly, foreign neighbor had an ongoing feud over stupid neighborhood things; parking in front of each others homes, not cutting the yard enough, cutting the grass too early in the morning. The kind of stupid bickering that escalates into a simmering resentment. Anyway, she claimed he swerved at her while she was getting her mail from her mailbox on the side of the road one day.
Of note was the fact that the judge in this case had been one of the prosecutors in the case against the kid who killed my brother. I obviously divulged that in the questioning they do of potential jurors, but for whatever reason I wasn’t disqualified.
After all was said and done, I was nominated the foreman, mainly because nobody else would volunteer to do it. We ultimately ended up acquitting the guy. One of the main pieces of testimony used by the prosecution was testimony from a neighbor who supported the plaintiff’s claims. (It later came to pass that this guy, of an age of the woman who had filed the case, was dating a friend of the plaintiff…hardly an impartial witness.) His main claim was that he just happened to be looking out a window of his home at the exact moment the swerve supposedly occurred. They supplied a photo that they claimed showed a view of the mailbox from the front room of the home the witness was in at the time. The exterior shots of the home didn’t seem to support the claim that he could see the mailbox at all, and other pieces of the testimony didn’t suffice to prove beyond a doubt that what she claimed had happened.
I really enjoyed the process, and would welcome the opportunity to do it again.
Comment by NoUseForAName Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:06 pm
Three times called, twice as we were walking into the courtroom for final selection the two sides settled. Huge waste of time. Why they waited until the last second to settle and in the process wasting everyone’s time is beyond me.
Comment by Not It Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:07 pm
I was called for jury duty in Sangamon County. I was a breast-feeding mother at the time and asked for a deferment. The extremely rude woman informed me that I had not indicated on the form that I was breastfeeding. I replied that I indicated on the back of the form that I was pregnant as I hadn’t actually given birth when I had to fill out the juror candidacy form. She told me that the judge had already signed off on my summons so I could either show up or go to jail. When I was called before the judge and attorneys, I asked to be excused and was, but the rudeness of the clerk I spoke to has stayed with my and colored my opinion of the court system in Sangamon County.
Comment by Not a Fan of Sang. Co Courts Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:08 pm
Been called a number of times, the first was shortly after the law was changed so that lawyers, who were previously automatically excluded, could be called. I was with the States’s Attorney’s Office at the time and the defense attorney, who was a friend of mine, excused me because he said he didn’t want to be the first defense attorney in the state to have an ASA on the jury.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:08 pm
Called in once, sat around most of the day, was interviewed and slotted, we lined up to go, and were told the case settled right before. Boring day.
Comment by Touré's Latte Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:09 pm
I’ve been called a bunch of times, but only picked as a juror 3 times. Once was a slip and fall civil case in the Daley Building downtown. Another was in Maywood, and the third was a murder trial at 26th and California.
I got picked to be the foreman on the murder trial. There were two defendants charged with murder, but each defendant had his own jury. One trial, two juries, which I thought was odd. The facts of the case were these two guys we’re accused of robbing a drug dealer, who was shot during the robbery and later died. Neither of the two on trial for this was accused as the shooter. Instead, they were charged with murder because they were alleged to have participated in a felony from which the murder was a direct consequence.
Because there were two juries, we spent a fair bit of time going back and forth between the courtroom and the holding room, alternating with the other jury, and sometimes hearing testimony together. There was no eye witness, and the prosecution’s main witness was a six year old child who was present but blind-folded during the facts in question. It was his testimony that he recognized one of the defendants by the sound of his voice, which was kind of iffy to many of us, but the kid never wavered. Turns out, he recognized the voice because the defendant was a friend of the boy’s family and a neighbor.
Both defendants were black, and the jury was mostly white. In addition to the child, the police were the other prosecution witnesses. When we began to deliberate, my first act was to take a secret ballot right off the bat, just to see where we were. It split 9-3 guilty. Unfortunately, there were three black jurors too, which led me to believe they were the three who voted not guilty.
I was glad to find out I was wrong, but not by much. 2 of the 3 black jurors voted not guilty, the third voted guilty. Then we got into the evidence and carefully and calmly reviewed the testimony, timeline, facts, etc. While the police who testified weren’t the strongest witnesses, our defendant only called his family members, who weren’t terribly credible as witness, each giving an identical account of the defendant’s alibi, right down to the menu of the mother’s day dinner they said he attended with them.
After a pretty engaging give and take, we voted again. This time it was 11-1 guilty. So we went over everything one more time without coming down hard on the holdout juror. She definitely did not believe the cops who testified and I don’t blame her. She had trouble with the kid’s testimony at first, but other jurors thought the kid was rock solid. On the next vote, it was 12-0. Guilty.
No DNA, no murder weapon, no eye witnesses, it looked a little shaky. Then, after we reported out and signed the paperwork and were about to be dismissed, the judge, the prosecutors, and surprisingly, the defense attorneys asked to meet with us. They came into the jury room and the judge told us not to worry, that we reached a good verdict. The attorneys explained all of the evidence against our defendants that was excluded because of a bad search immediately after the robbery. The defendant lived next door to the victim, and the kid who testified knew him very well, which is why he recognized the voice. He told the cops that our defendant did it the night of the murder and they went to his house and caught all three of the accused with the money, the drugs, the murder weapon and the masks they wore. Unfortunately, that search was ruled unconstitutional, so the evidence couldn’t be used to convict them. The shooter went down separately, but he didn’t testify against either of the others. I was very relieved to learn we got it right. Sending somebody to prison for twenty years isn’t as much fun as it looks on Law and Order.
All in all, it was a fascinating experience and I’ll never forget it.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:09 pm
A guy shots at a deer. The recoil knocked him out of his tree stand. He sued Remington claiming the shell, that he saved, was improperly loaded. 3 day trial with ballistics experts from both sides and a quality control expert from Remington. We ended up giving the guy $42k. Enough to cover his medical bills an lawyer fees plus a little extra but not much. Within days I received letters from both lawyers thanking me for my service. The jury system may not be perfect but it was an unforgettable experience for me.
Comment by Casual observer Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:09 pm
Called once & served on a civil jury. Amazed at how a couple of jurors could be swayed so easily by someone crying but not by solid evidence. Judge, I swear, was on his laptop during trial.
Comment by Interim Retiree Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:11 pm
I was selected for jury, and as forman. A very small town of 4,400, had the case of a teenager who was given a ticket for speeding. Heard/ viewed evidence, and to myself and 10 others it was clearly a guilty. One juror stubbornly held out. I tried to get him to give reason for his position, but unsuccessful. For thirty minutes, we went round and round, finally he said “I didn’t like the cops attitude”. Nothing could persuade him from his position. ‘Hung jury’. I lost a lot of confidence in the justice system with that small, relatively insignificant event.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:13 pm
Sidenote: A few weeks later I drove to the neighborhood and lined myself up with the mailbox and the window of the home in question and there were two huge shrubs directly in the way. I am convinced this guy perjured himself.
Comment by NoUseForAName Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:13 pm
Served on statewide grand jury for a year. Seemed to be very one sided in favor of the authorities. I would agree with the 2nd statement by ‘Anon Downstate’. Appeared as a rubber stamp process.
Comment by NobodysAccountable Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:15 pm
Called for jury duty 4 times — I’m just lucky that way. During a preliminary screening by the judge for seating a jury, the judged asked if I knew any attorneys; answered yes; judge asked who and I told him the States Atty (who was trying the case). The judge asked if my knowing the States Atty would sway my judgment as a juror and I told him no because I didn’t like the States Atty that much; got a nice little chuckle out of everyone. Then the judge asked if I knew any other attorneys and I answered “yes an appellate court judge”; the judge leaned forward and smugly said “oh yea, what’s his name? I responded with “HER name is …” After a big laugh from everyone the judge said “don’t tell her I asked that question.
I was excused after that.
Comment by We'll See Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:15 pm
Called twice, served once. Tossed the first time in a Medical Malpractice case because I knew the judge and the defendant. Was relieved. Picked for a misdemeanor criminal battery trial involving too much booze and a poorly thought-out (and thrown) punch. Evidence was pretty straightforward, including a picture of the complainant’s swollen lip and the defendant’s swollen knuckles. One day trial. Guilty and sentenced to time served.
Much respect for the Judges, ASAs, and cops that do this every day. The defense bar, well, they earn their fees.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:18 pm
I was called and ended up not only serving but being elected as foreman for a trial out of 26th & Cal about 12 years ago.
It was a very tough case involving a 40 year old man (representing himself) and what he did with his girlfriend’s 10 year old daughter (a child resulted among others things).
It took 6 business days and as you can imagine it was absolutely awful to sit through. But I took notes, paid attention, and made sure noone in the jury room did anything to derail the case. I am to this day proud that we came back with across the board and unanimous guilty counts within an hour of deliberations. He ended up getting 30-some years.
I feel like I did my civic duty and helped get a true criminal locked away so that he can’t hurt innocent people anymore.
Comment by I ride motorcycles Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:20 pm
Twice. Once in civil court for a personal injury case. Empaneled. Judge issued a directed verdict of guilty. Had to decide amount to award. It amounted to costs incurred. Once at 26th/Cal for the penalty phase of a Murder 1 trial. I was first from the pool to be interviewed by judge & lawyers with defendant present. That really forced me to come to grips with my personal position on capital punishment. After the interview I was excused. Both experiences taught me a lot about the system and about myself.
Comment by stateandlake Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:20 pm
I’ve been called once. But in the little county I call home, jury trials are rare. As a college professor, I sort of expected that the defense would bump me, but they didn’t. I was then surprised when the first question from the prosecutor was “Mr. G’Kar, are you married?” Perplexed, I answered no. “Why then did you mark married on the registration form?” I responded by saying “Wishful thinking?” I got a good laugh from the judge who said “Be careful what you wish for.” A few years later, the same judge presided over my marriage. Afterwards I reminded him of that story.
Comment by G'Kar Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:22 pm
Addendum: I was also picked to be the foreman.
Seems to be a bit of a trend here. Are we getting picked because we’re perceived as wise and prudent or because we all like to talk? I like to think it’s the latter.
I for one would certainly be willing to serve again now that I’m retired.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:26 pm
Called 3 or 4 times, served once. It was an insurance trial involving damage to a house from a construction site next door. I was impressed by how exceptionally boring the subject matter was. I was very intrigued by the process and get a little tingly about the whole jury of your peers bit. I’m glad I got to do it and wish everyone would have at least a couple hours on a jury to help them understand what a unique and important system it is.
Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:28 pm
Just served last month and was selected for a medical malpractice case in the judicial hell hole of Madison County. Our run-away jury found for the defense (the doctor) and awarded the plaintiff $0. The defense lawyer did an awesome job, a young guy who was heading the case for the first time. The judge was pushing 80 and we broke every morning promptly at 9:45 so he could take care of his business. The jurors loved the judge and I was amazed at how most of us had the same opinions of the case once we got in the deliberation room. Jury duty is a great experience if you are at all curious about how the legal system works.
Comment by Stooges Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:30 pm
Been called three times in the last few years. Twice it was just a phone in, and ended up dismissed.
Once actually reported, sat around, and then went through preliminary selection for a criminal trial. From the questions, it was apparent the whole defense was going to be 6 policemen lied about what they saw. Anybody with close law enforcement connections (spouse, parent, child) got kicked immediately.
I made it past the lawyer’s questions but then the judge piped up. My name is somewhat unique and the judge asked if I was related to x, who was prominent in local LE circles and, I’m sure, been in that courtroom many times. I admitted I was a quite distant relative, and that was enough for the judge to kick me off the potential jury.
If I ever do make it to actually sitting on a jury panel, I expect it will be a civil case, not a criminal one.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:38 pm
== Served on statewide grand jury for a year. Seemed to be very one sided in favor of the authorities. I would agree with the 2nd statement by ‘Anon Downstate’. Appeared as a rubber stamp process. ==
That’s basically how grand juries are supposed to work. It’s not “rigged” for the prosecution. You’re acting as the trier of fact as to whether probable cause exists to charge the person with a crime…probably cause is not a hard burden to meet. I can’t fathom how much more dysfunctional the system would be if you had an actual mini-trial for a determination of probable cause.
On the topic, even in a small county, I have never once been summoned for jury duty, despite having been registered to vote here for 20 years.
Comment by Downstate43 Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:38 pm
Been called three times in Kane Couty.
One time never made it into a jury room but reported. Found out it was at that time the largest single-day jury callup in the county. Virtually every case was continued or pled out.
One time made it into a courtroom for a criminal trial where a woman was charged with a crime against a child (sexual) the child was going to be the youngest at that time to ever testify in the county (that is what I read later). Was one of 5 who ended up not getting questioned. the case ended in a hung jury I also found out later.
Last time, made it into the courtroom discovered the judge was a former neighbor of mine (before he was a judge) and someone I have kept in touch with. Ended up getting questioned in the jury box, but was dismissed by the defense after they asked some questions about how I knew the judge and what we had talked about over the years. It also was a sexual crime against a minor.
Would like to actually be on a jury once, but not for the criminal cases I have seen when called so far.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:40 pm
Called twice in DuPage. Both criminal always excused I guess fact that I was once a public defender and fact my kid a states attorney and I knew all the lawyers might have had something to do with it. I believe Pate Pjilop served on a personal injury case in DuPage why you would want him on jury if you are looking for money is beyond me
Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:41 pm
Was called twice. The first one I was excused. The second I served. Traffic accident where we were assigned to determine damages. The interesting point..the preciding judge was Bob Thomas (former Bear placekicker and now Illinois Supreme Court judge).
Comment by Bogey Golfer Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:42 pm
I don’t remember saying anything about it being rigged, just no one is there to dispute the facts being offered. Nor was there any evidence offered to validate the testimony. A decision is based on one sides story. How would you like for you & your house to become a target of the authorities because you use extra electricity & go to a local hydroponic store? It can happen.
Comment by NobodysAccountable Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:56 pm
I’ve been called for jury duty multiple times.
The first time was when I was in law school. It was a civil case, and it settled after the plaintiff’s case.
While I was practicing, and after the exemption for lawyers was eliminated, I was called twice in Lake County, and did sit on one jury there. It was a pro se speeding case in which the defense was “I set my cruise control”. We didn’t even bother to order lunch.
The second time, the case was being defended by an attorney I supervised, so the judge didn’t even make me sit there.
Since I retired, I was called to 26th & California. Although I was with a group of jurors called to a courtroom, I was never voir dired, though; the jury was selected before I made it into the box. I have to admit that I was appalled at the process that was used, and sat there critiquing (to myself) both sides and the judge. It was a serious case and the questioning of potential jurors was perfunctory and unrevealing.
Comment by JoanP Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:58 pm
I’ve only been called one time. I was thrilled about it (no snark) because I really wanted to serve my civic duty. I was herded into a room where we waited for HOURS, only to be told that we weren’t needed. They gave us a boxed lunch which included, for whatever reason, a plastic spoon. I was so bored that I briefly considered using the spoon to tunnel my way to freedom. Seriously, there has to be a better way to assemble a jury.
Comment by Dome Gnome Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 3:59 pm
Called once, picked once. Served as jury foreman. Wrongful Death case. Lasted five days. Found in favor of the two neurosurgeons. Enjoyed the experience.
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 4:19 pm
Called twice, went through voir dire twice, both times at 26th & Cal, both first degree armed robbery. At that time I was a lawyer in private practice and would have to make up any hours I missed, so I was hoping to be dismissed, though each time they said the trial was only expected to last 2 to 3 days.
Each time I was dismissed. I was in the second group of 12 being voir dire’d so in each case they were keeping older women who were wishy washy in their answers. As a result, I was answered directly and decisively each question.
Interesting experience but would like to serve sometime. The last 2 times I was called I was excused ahead of time because I was a nursing mother.
Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 5:04 pm
Yep twice local once federal once (parking at the Fed building in Chicago is a pain (I gave my money back by no cashing check feel like its your civic duty and I still got paid by employer…wonder if former prez will do the same? )
Comment by the Cardinal Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 5:11 pm
Been called 4 times by state court and once by federal. The jury room staff and deputies at the Daley Center go out of their way to try to make the process as painless as possible.
Comment by Southside Markie Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 5:17 pm
Have received 5 notices. First time reported to Rolling Meadows. Not picked. Next two times (despite posting the summons on the Fridge) I spaced out, forgot to call in, and missed the report date. I mentioned this to an attorney friend at work and he said, “Just watch, from now on you’ll be reporting for jury duty at 26th and Cal.” He was right. The last two times I reported to 26th and Cal. I’ve never been picked and never even made it to voir dire.
Comment by 36B Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 5:18 pm
Been called 5-6 times, served once at 26th & California.
A murder trial of a kid who served as a lookout in a gang shooting. A 7 year old was killed in the drive-by. Even though the lookout was posted a block away, He was involved and was tried the same as the person who pulled the trigger.
I ended up as foreman and we did convict.
Very sad, so many young lives trashed. I did try to be excused by stating that I was opposed to the death penalty and claiming that if the crime carried that potential sentence (still a possibility in Illinois at the time) I would not vote to convict because of my opposition. Turns out the max sentence didn’t include the death penalty, the judge ruled I could serve and so I did.
Comment by truthbetold Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 5:21 pm
I was called six times in the nineteen years I lived in Cook. All were criminal at 26th and Cal. Was empaneled five times, made it to deliberation for four of those, and returned a verdict in three (one settled before we returned.) Was foreman each time. Cases ran the gamut from strong armed robbery in an elevator in the Jewelers Block building to a gang shooting murder in Lawndale. That last one was in one of the high power fishbowl courtrooms complete with scary looking observers that the judge kept removing.
Now I’ve been in Kane for 15 years, and I haven’t been called once.
Comment by Ken_in_Aurora Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 5:33 pm
Wow there are quite a few of us that have served more than 3 times. At one time I considered adding juror to my resume. I was called for a Federal Grand Jury but missed out on being selected for the 2nd Graylord Trial. The 2nd time I was selected for the Feds I was dismissed by the attorneys on a police brutality case, at that same time they were picking the 2nd Blago trial. 2 times on a grand jury in DuPage and one time in DuPage for a civil case.
Comment by Cable Line Beer Gardener Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 5:38 pm
Called in Peoria County, murder trial, took longer to fill out the paperwork than to deliberate.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 6:14 pm
Called once while living in Iowa, was excused as a teacher but was told I’d be called again once school was out — never happened. That was about forty years ago and I’ve never been called again anywhere I’ve lived (I’m sure I just jinxed myself by saying that).
Comment by Flapdoodle Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 6:58 pm
Served on two juries both theft cases. Called a third time for jury duty but did not serve as it was a light week for cases.
Currently serving on a Grand Jury that started in October and runs until the end of the month.
Comment by Nearly Normal Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 8:09 pm
I dont understand. Every time I am asked on my thoughts on the death penalty, I am immediately dismissed. Weird.
Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 8:20 pm
My great aunt served on the jury for one of the Manson trials in Los Angeles. Personally, I’ve been called but dismissed.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 8, 17 @ 9:58 pm
I waited years to have jury duty, it’s something I have always wanted to do. Last year, I got told to report on September 1st (I think) for a federal court jury.
Unfortunately, I was moving to South America at the end of August.
The universe is unfair.
Comment by jsg Thursday, Nov 9, 17 @ 6:48 am
I was called twice when I lived in Will County, but never served. After moving to Warren County, I served on a medical malpractice case. Turned out to be an awful experience because the lawyers didn’t realize just how many racists they had approved. I was the foreman and couldn’t believe what I was hearing from them. Every expert witness from a minority or ethnic group got referred to by some jurors by a racist term and their testimony not believed. It was a disheartening experience that I have no desire to repeat.
Comment by Aldyth Thursday, Nov 9, 17 @ 7:24 am