There are few human endeavors that expose our nature better than jury duty. Gathering with a large number of strangers, all responding to a summons from city or county government, one is inspired by the respect that most Americans have for our justice system, however flawed it may appear at times.
Once underway, the culling process highlights the many personalties within the group. Some, often with good reason, seek an early departure, siting other responsibilities. Most of the rest are caught between the hope for exclusion and the potential thrill of participation, not to mention the emotional reward of being selected (a flashback to childhood pickup games). The subtle maneuvers of the prosecuting and defense attorneys were also of interest, combining attempts to instill their own point of view while seeking out those who pose a threat to their cause. During this process, some jury candidates clearly relish the opportunity to express their opinions while others make a concerted effort to be dropped from the squad; the majority just lay low and put their faith in the system.
In the end, I did not make the final cut though I had become increasingly enthused throughout the day. While I had clues that the ax might fall, there is always a hint of pain when one is rejected, however reasoned that decision might be. Those of us sent home were surely comforted by the knowledge that we had done our civic duty and, to be perfectly honest, were at least somewhat glad to leave behind the very serious responsibilities that come with selection. But, for the most part, humans want to be chosen, acknowledged for our special traits, and, when rejected, we are prone to dwell on that lost opportunity (once again).
