Everyone should do jury duty as long as their employers pay for it (as covered by law, but in actuality...some employers might frown on such a thing...that's a LAWSUIT...)

I've only sat in one one trial, and somehow appointed myself as jury foreman (I ORGANIZE).

It was a rinky-dink case of civil disobedience-there was a "Free Mumia" demonstration in Portland downtown, and the accused was targeted by the Police as "disturbing the peace", which was defined, in this trial, as entering the street and slowing down traffic.

The defense (under objection) posted pictures of the marchers fully contained on the sidewalk.

The prosecution could not provide any visual evidence of the marchers in the streets. They did posit two young policeman who said the marchers entered the street, but they were unconvincing, especially as the prosecutor led one of the cops to describe the "fear" that he saw in a motorist's eyes as their conveyance was delayed somewhat by a marcher.

I called for an immediate vote, and it was 5-1 (misdemeanor trials in OR only have a 6-person jury). It was late, so we would have to show up the next day, so I then told the jury about Mumia.

It wasn't brought up in the trial, so it was definitely a gray area; I remain confused as to what one can proffer in the jury room-my belief is, it should be ANYTHING based on every juror's experience and knowledge.

I recall telling the other 5 jurors, generally, that Mumia is a jailed cop killer who a lot of people believe is innocent, and therefor, marchers for Mumia piss off cops who have to watch them march.

The next morning, we took another vote, and it was 6-0 in favor of "Not Guilty."
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See? On a small scale, that was fun, memorable, and a good excuse for taking a day (or more) off from work...

As long as your employer covers your absence, it is your duty as an American to proudly, and aggressively, serve on jury duty!

:banannaflagwaving: