How to handle jury duty

So, you’ve been called up for jury service. Despite your student lifestyle, you’re available and have filled in all the necessary paperwork, and the big day is looming ever nearer. Few things are as important as your role here, and your decisions will impact your community. It’s a daunting period, but many people find it interesting and exhilarating. Whether you’re dishing out justice to scumbags or trying to clear a defendant’s name, you will experience something life changing. For students, this is another disturbance in the force, but it’ll pass after ten or so days. Consequently, here’s how to handle jury duty.

Attend, attend, attend

It can’t be overstated how important it is that you attend. Do not forget to show up if you’re scheduled to! Without jurors, criminals will simply roam free, and innocent people would go to jail for a crime they never committed. Your judgement matters.

You could sit a case that is incredibly complex, and only your word can provide justice. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but some cases can be more important than your otherwise free summer! Other than general election time, there will be fewer occasions where your opinion impacts your community so crucially. By all accounts, you can’t stroll in five minutes late the way you might do with a lecture.

Moreover, you can face heavy fines if you are scheduled to show up but fail to appear, so it’s important you’re on the ball. You’re already in debt from your student loans, and you don’t need another financial bomb dropped on you. Do your civic duty, and take pride in the fact that your value to society just went up a few pegs for a few days!

Prepare for a wait

After handing over your identification and your filled out expenses forms, you will be taken into a waiting area. You will share the company of many other jurors. If you think your patience has been tested waiting in the doctors or dentist reception, it will likely be a longer period of waiting here. Strap in for what will probably start as a boring three to four hours.

The courts need to set up and get ready. They have technology to make sure is working, all while waiting on defendants, witnesses, and judges to arrive. Additionally, there’ll be regular intervals for  lawyers and judges to discuss matters of law without the jury present.

Consequently, you’ll likely suffer long waiting periods, so bring a book or your Nintendo and entertain yourself. You could even do some revision for your studies in this period. You can talk to the people in the waiting room too! Just make sure you do something that keeps you alert and switched on, as you’ll need to stay sharp to perform your role properly.

Be honest

A jury can only use honesty as fuel. Remember, you’re a paragon of the truth. It’s what you’re there to unearth, but it’s also what you’re there to uphold yourself too.

If you know the defendant, or anyone or anything mentioned in connection with the case, you need to notify the usher immediately. Any prior knowledge or rumors that you have heard on the case need to be stated straight away. After all, this can all influence your verdict, and thus means that you’re no longer an impartial party.

Moreover, you will be required to swear on the religion of your choosing or affirm, swearing to uphold the truth without religious motive. Consequently, choose confidently so that your word is truly your bond and so the court can proceed uninterrupted. In the end, your honest judgement is all anyone is asking for.

Stay off social media

Social media is a fun way to connect with friends. Of course, it’s also fair to point out that it’s an acute tool for destruction and jeopardy too. While you may be accustomed to sharing every aspect of your student life, this attitude will not fly at jury service. You’re literally sworn to secrecy, and breaking that vow yields dire consequences no matter your age.

There’s no wiggle room; you cannot under any circumstances talk about a case you’re currently sitting as a juror. To do so is against the law, and you face severe consequences should you share any aspect of the trial with another party before a verdict is reached. Consequently, you should get off of social media during your jury service if you are particularly prone to blabbing, and to avoid press or local speculation if your case is well-known in the media.

Do not research any aspect of the case

If you’re naturally nosy, you may want a view of the bigger picture. Who is the defendant? Where did their crimes take place? Perhaps you think you can search for those on trial, read articles on what allegedly happened, or google earth the place where the crime took place for a better idea of what went on. Facebook can become relevant again for this period!

Do. Not. Do. This. Actions like these are also against the law, as it has the potential to influence your verdict. What you are there to do is analyse the facts and evidence that are presented to you on the day. Think of it as an exam you can’t revise for.

If you do your own independent research, and let allegations and media impressions put a stamp on your judgement, you are no longer an impartial party.

Keep an open mind

The courtroom is not the place to make quickfire judgments based on appearances and rumours. You’ll hear a lot of rhetoric and potentially some really awful stuff, but you need to keep an open mind no matter what. People are innocent until proven guilty, so make sure your mind is not made up until the time comes to deliberate.

As a student, you may be comfortable judging people. After all, everyone has their cliques at university, as well as people who are avoided based on hearsay. This kind of thought process won’t do in the courtroom.

Sometimes, a case can be going one way in your mind. The defendant is guilty, you’re sure of it! Still, sometimes all it takes is one muddled statement from a witness at the very end of a trial and, suddenly, everything can turn on its head. Don’t commit to a verdict until called upon to do so!

George Moss writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in sourcing candidates for internships and graduate jobs.