Well, I've had my standby summons for about three weeks now, and today I had to call the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court's automated system to see if I was to report to Daley Center tomorrow. And I had this feeling as this week drew closer that I was going to have to show up, and that I might even be picked for a jury.
And yep, they said folks with the last names from J (as in Julia) to W (as in whiskey),
had to show up. One down, and one to go, and I have to report to the jury room at 9:30 AM. tomorrow (Monday) morning. This will be the fourth time I have been called, and now I have a feeling it will be the second time I will serve.
The third time I went in for a jury was a charm. In 2008, I got to serve on a case that involved an accident at a signalized intersection within the City of Chicago, and if you haven't read any of my comments before, I used to work for the City as a traffic engineer, and dealt with traffic signals. Heck, my old supervisor Kenny used to send me to testify in court, at arbitrations, and at depositions in his stead. I only got off of that if they absolutely, positively wanted Kenny, and I only stopped doing it when I was passed over to replace Kenny after he retired in 2003. I'd have to say that was one of the good things about not getting that promotion! One of many, that is.
So, you might ask how I managed to serve on a jury in such a case, with my then-current supervisor, Nick, being a witness? Simply put, the plantiff's attorney did not object to my serving, as I was to learn the day the trial wrapped up. We had finished early on a Wednesday, and the plantiff had received something for her pains, though not the $2 million that her attorney had sought. I, and a few other members of the jury were enjoying one last box lunch on Cook County, when the defense attorneys, and a young associate of the plantiff's attorney came in and asked us if we could give them some comments on their performance during the trial. I took the opportunity to ask then why I hadn't been passed over, and one of the defense attorneys explained that it was the prosecuting attorney's task to do that, while the young associate looked on quietly, but apparently embarassed.
And so, here it is, four years later, and they did indeed call me again. Just like the judge
in that case said they would. It's not like I'm working regularly, being retired, but we
are still dealing with various family crises, and we are getting closer to getting started
on our new house on the farm. And I have a doctor's appoitment on Tuesday, but I'll deal with that if and when. At least now I get to keep the checks from the court, instead of signing them over to the City so I got paid for the day ay my regular salary. And if this is another case where Nick will be testifying, and I get on the jury, he will get to do another double-take.
Unfortunately, I will be expected to steer clear of news sources, including Daily Kos, so could someone keep an eye out for occasions where a mocking "Who™?" is needed?
Thanks!
Mon Jun 18, 2012 at 1:50 PM PT: Well, I didn't make the cut this time.
Before lunch the judge was quizzing the first group of 18, of which I was a member, then the attorneys asked us question briefly after lunch. They conferred with the judge in her chambers afterwards, and the people from the first group they were keeping were sworn in, to return tomorrow morning. The remainder, including your's truly, were excused.
Easiest $17.20 I've made in a while...