I’ve been on the hook for Jury Duty all week in the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. On Monday, 11/4, I didn’t make the cut (since my number was 400 and they called up 1-212). On Tuesday, 11/5, it was Election Day and a Federal Holiday from the Courts, so there was no jury duty. They didn’t need anyone on Wednesday, 11/6, but I had to go in today, 11/7.
Over 80 potential jurors waited for three hours as one judge reviewed the docket of cases for the day; by 11:00 a.m. (I was there at 7:30 a.m.), the head bailiff, an older woman of color who could have been a comedian (she was that funny in every direction and introduction to the process), finally excused us for the rest of today and tomorrow, 11/8!
Yippee! I didn’t want to be on a case, and I don’t think I would have been selected due to my employment in the criminal justice system for over 10 years as a Probation/Parole Officer for the State of Ohio years ago.
Every juror received a whopping $30 in cash and paid parking (if one parked in the garage they suggested, which I did) for their “service.” Those three freshly minted $10 bills were promptly spent on lunch in downtown Annapolis with my new friend, Juror Jessica!
Since I like to arrive at these types of civic duties way ahead of schedule, the security checkpoint sheriff suggested I hang out on the benches outside (it was a lovely morning to do so) and come back around 8:00 a.m. I took my time sipping my tea and people-watching until I felt it was time to enter the building for the second time.
There was a lot of waiting around, but that allowed me to meet my new friend, Jessica, seated in seat 59, and me in seat 60. Small talk at first, but then we found out we had much in common, traveling the world being our common denominator. She won the travel category hands down due to her work, being an Army Brat (living in Germany for 10 years as her parents served), and then when Jessica enlisted for her years in the Army. We bounced countries and artifacts around like a pinball, hitting all the bells and whistles - which all amounted to super exciting experiences for both of us.
Jess and I then continued the jury party to the Preserve Restaurant on Main Street, where we had a delicious repast and continued our chat, discussing our families and work before we headed back into our respective worlds. We promised to keep in touch, and I sure hope we do!
BSoleille!
Terri
Photo 1) Terri & Jessica at The Preserve; 2) big cash $$$ for our service; 3) Annapolis Circuit Court House
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