Goodfellows52: We the jury

Goodfellows52: We the jury: “Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an ...

We the jury

“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.” 

— Frederick Douglas

AUBURN — After spending six hours sitting on an ass-breaking hardwood bench in a dreary room with no windows during jury selection at Androscoggin Superior Court, I am elated and relieved that I have fulfilled my obligation as a citizen and re-enforced what I already believed — that becoming a career criminal is a lesson futility.

Any low-life hood thinking about leading a life of crime should spend an entire working day listening to cases and the vetting of prospective jurors during jury selection. Planting your butt on one of those hardwood benches for six hours would convince me that crime doesn’t pay.

Partaking in the judicial process is a painful experience for my daire aire, but it made me appreciate our slow and cumbersome justice system.

The American court system moves at a snail’s pace, but you know what, it works — for the most part.

It is not perfect, but like my wise son said, it is not too much to ask of our U.S. citizens to serve as a juror and fulfill their civic duty. Heck, teachers, cops and soldiers are on the line doing great things for a grateful nation every day.

It is the best we can do as American citizens and I prefer this system compared to other nations, where in some instances, there is no justice.

I have been called twice in the past 15 years, and I respectfully beg the court to choose another outstanding American citizens like myself. I know I am a good American, but there are other outstanding Americans who haven’t been called. 

How about giving them a turn?

But when you are called, the summons should be taken seriously. You are obligated to serve for five weeks or less, and if you are chosen as a juror, it will wreak havoc on your schedule. 

Four cases were presented to prospective jurors  during the selection process, and I was selected as a foreman, which I thought was an honor and a huge responsibility. I won’t discuss the specifics of the cases.

My case was pleaded out after opening arguments were given. We went into recess before we heard all the testimony. Jurors were confined to room before we were excused with a thank-you from the judge.

But in those two days, I watched judges and attorneys do their best to see that the proceedings were expedited in a fair and just manner. I witnessed bailiffs ensuring our safety as a diligent judge maintained fairness and order during the trial.

We take our justice system for granted, but it is up to all of us as Americans to do their civic duty even though the jury system throws a monkey wrench into our precious schedules. Sure, $15 a day and paid mileage from your home to the courthouse is a pittance for our time, but serving is not about making a few bucks.

But if you are called and selected, keep this mind: We the jury are responsible to see that justice is served, and hopefully give the other guy— and that would be me — a break.

That is our duty as American citizens.