Jury Duty ...update

Well it was a long 4 days, with the last day of deliberations ending at 4.45pm.
The accused was from interstate and charged with 'possession with intent to sell or supply'...to cut a very long story short , we found him 'Not guilty'. Quite a few of the jury wanted 'not proven', but we don't have that in this country, and because of the element of doubt...we had to find 'not guilty'.

Things I learnt on Jury duty and know a lot more about now,
I can recognize 2 sorts of illegal drugs...Ugh
Judges will explain elements of the law, and guide, but remain impartial...
The defense council was a QC and worth his hire...
The prosecution was let down by the evidence...not enough and elements botched...
The Jury are the only ones whose movements are restricted during a trial, even the defendant was on bail...
The chairs in the court were old and hard, I had a sore back by day three (Take a cushion)...
The wigs itch...
14 people in a very small room...lots of personalities and experiences...
Technology will often fail, even in a court room during a trial...lol!
Thats all FeralTB-)

Jury Duty.......

First day, turn up....get a number...wait...
...see video on how the court works...jury is chosen...
I was sure I wouldn't get picked the second time round, I did this a couple of years ago....was I wrong, YES!
It is amazing how many people will 'helpfully' give you ideas on how to 'get out of Jury duty'. I believe we were, on the first day privvy to a few of them, e.g....the person who stood up after being picked and said the defendant was guilty, no matter what (Even after the judge had gently reminded her we hadn't tried the case as yet)...she was excused...the person who didn't remember she even had a number, or what it was...she was excused...the person who said he knew the witnesses...he was excused, and so on, until the Judge had picked 14 of us for the jury (in case someone was unable to continue, he had a couple of spares:-). (The other, rather large amount of people who didn't turn up, will be fined...)
To quote the Department of the Attorney General"Jury service is a vital component of civic participation in our democracy. For many people, this is the most direct contact they will have with this important community function. It involves giving time and effort. It also provides a positive appreciation of the court system and a direct opportunity to learn how the justice system works."
So far I agree with the statement, however it is a long and sometimes tedious, yet facinating process and...I can't talk about it until next week...bye.
FeralTB-)