Minnesota

One was a civil case that was settled just as we were about to deliberate.

The first criminal case was cut and dried but we deliberated for several hours before convicting the accused of the middle of three charges. It seemed to us that if he had committed the least charge, it followed that he committed the highest. We settled on the middle charge as a compromise, of sorts.

The second criminal case was even more clear. Although the trial lasted 2-1/2 days, our deliberations took exactly 10 minutes to acquit the accused. The charges were way over-the-top, the witnesses were clearly sketchy, the charges were grossly unfair and the defendant had a compelling personal story.

In all 3 cases, the judges made certain that the jurors understood the proceedings and consistently expressed gratitude for our service. The cases were all fascinating and I felt that I was serving an important role in our justice system.

In normal times, I encourage everyone who can to serve on a jury, if called. These days, though, not so much!