1)      Civic duty – done for life or just for now?

a)      Done for life in NYS and judge will write a letter on our behalf for Federal jury service.  I feel like I have served enough for me and everyone I know.

2)      How many days were you on jury duty?

a)      First reported on April 1, trial started on April 27, and delivered a verdict on October 8.  Not sure how many actual days that was (maybe 80+ of trial and 12 of deliberations).  This equates to a long ass time.

3)      What are some of the rules people would be surprised by?

a)      I was most surprised by how few rules there were.  Don’t speculate, deliberate before deliberations, read the newspaper, talk to the press, blog or tweet about the trial.  That’s about it.  I thought there would be more rules/process guidelines during deliberations but it was really up to us to figure out the best way to proceed.  Luckily, we were high functioning, intelligent, and respectful of one another’s ideas.

4)      Weirdest thing that happened during the trial?

a)      Just one.  There were so many. 

5)      Most difficult thing about being a juror?

a)      The responsibility of it.  I took my oath very seriously and felt a heavy burden to make the right decision. I know that we applied the evidence to the legal instructions and made the right decision based on that but it was heavy.  I was glad to get to share that responsibility with 11 other people.

6)      What would be the most fitting punishment for Marshall?

a)      I think being on trial for 6 months and convicted is punishment enough.  He is an 85 year old  man who made some bad decisions, criminal decisions, but I don’t see the point of sending him to jail.

7)      Profound life lesson to be taken from the whole experience?

a)      Life, families, and relationships are complex. 

8)      Worst part of jury duty?

a)      Having to ask to go to the bathroom.  It’s nice not to have to flag an officer who tells the judge that he should take a break because you have to pee.

9)      Fellow jurors: friend for life or have a nice life?

a)      A group of people who I have grown to respect greatly.

10)  In 40 years what will you tell people about this experience?

a)      This is the hardest question that you asked.  I am really trying to wrap my head around it.  All I know is that it was a life altering experience.  I am just not sure how yet.