Memoirs

Jury Duty

“Sir, you’re gonna have to tone it down or I’ll have to call security.” The Bailiff’s face reddened as he warned the loudmouth for the third time.

“Let’s get this show on the road and I’ll quiet down. I came here for jury duty, not to sit around and wait for Christmas to come with this bunch of bozos.”

Everyone in the courthouse waiting room was getting fed up with Mr. Bigmouth

“Listen, mister, I’m paying a sitter while I’m here doing nothing, so button your lip. I’m tired of listening to your bull.” The lady in the pretty yellow dress had reached her limit with all his bragging and prejudicial slurs.

I wasn’t too happy either. The jury notice had said to be at the courthouse promptly at 8:30 this morning. That was almost an hour ago.

“Well I have to go to the bathroom or I’m gonna float,” declared the very pregnant looking girl in the back row.

“Go out the door and turn right. I’ll let them know if we’re called.” The Bailiff walked toward the door to open it for her as his cell phone rang. “Yes,” he said. “I’ll bring them in.”

In the courtroom, we were handed questionnaires asking our personal views on different things. Six of us and an alternate were selected. Mr. Loudmouth got up to leave. This brought a smile to several faces as we were ushered to the jury room.

An older woman with glasses spoke. “Let’s go around the table and introduce ourselves. I’m Jeannette Taylor. I hope this doesn’t take long. I’m supposed to leave tomorrow to visit my daughter.”

Suddenly the Bailiff entered the room. “You’re being excused. You can go home.”

Seeing our astonishment, he continued, “A plane has crashed into one of the Twin Towers.”