Day One of Jury Duty was very interesting. After being sworn in en masse, the first 70 of us were directed to the courtroom where we would be regaled and subsequently questioned by lawyers.
Without
divulging details, it was a criminal case. And one question that eventually
arise concerned our knowledge of law enforcement individuals. Well, I had to
admit to that one. Not just one here. I know three sheriff deputies and a few
police officers and one federal agent and lots of guys I have met as fire
department chaplain. The prosecutor wanted me. The defense did not.
As
a result I had to go before the judge and both lawyers all by myself. They
grilled me for a while before finally letting me join the other prospective
jurors on a break. One side was convinced already that, as a pastor of law
enforcement officers, and chaplain of the fire department, there was no way
those positions wouldn’t influence me to lean in favor of the prosecution. Not
to mention my pastoral inclination to want to empathize with the victim. The
other side acknowledged that position, but wanted to know if I could put that
aside and listen to the testimony without being influenced. I assured them I would
do my best. All I could offer.
When
we returned to the courtroom, the twelve jurors were formally announced … And I
wasn’t one of them. So much for my first try at jurydom. I was excused for
today, but may have to go back tomorrow (and every day the rest of the week).
We’ll see happens next.
Oh
… for those who were in church last Sunday, we had supper with Salmon Geezer.
Remember him? Tasty stuff …
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit
to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Father,
please be with the folks on that jury. Give them clarity and a spirit of your
justice. Amen.
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