Jury Duty

The past 2 days have been some of the most interesting I have had in a long time. I arrived at the courthouse at 8:00 a.m. Monday morning (VERY early for me!) and went through a long process of jury selection. I thought for sure I would not be chosen because I admitted that I generally think people are guilty before I know the details of a case. I guess that wasn't controversial enough information, because by 1:00 that afternoon I was chosen to be on the jury for a domestic sexual assualt case.

The case lasted until 4:00 Tuesday afternoon...then the jury deliberations began. I was really nervous once the case was done and I realized the heavy duty I was about to embark on. It's such an interesting thing to be with 8 strangers and have to make a unanimous decision beyond a reasonable doubt. I was the youngest of the group and felt that each of us in the jury room had such unique and different backgrounds and perspectives. After we started our deliberations with a prayer (only in Utah County!) and got going it became clear that this wouldn't be an open/shut case. I have to admit that when I entered the deliberation room I really didn't know what I would do, I wasn't sure who to believe.

So, we all discussed the evidence and our feelings about the victim and the defendent and the witnesses. At about 5:30 we realized we weren't close to a decsision...we ordered dinner (the court covers the cost because you can't leave the room until you have reached a verdict). By 6:00 we had 7 of the 8 people convinced one way and we spent the next 2 1/2 hours talking and discussing until everyone in the room was totally on board with the verdict. By 8:30 we called the Judge and said we had finished our deliberations. By 9:00 the lawyers and everyone were back in the courtroom and our verdict was read..."The Jury has found the Defendent guilty of both charges". It was a difficult thing to be a part of. Certainly the victim wasn't an angel and the defendent was not a nice guy...it was a story that was difficult to believe...it made me realize the incredible blessings I have in my life. I am more grateful for a loving husband, happy children, great friends and a concerned family than I have ever been.