I was on jury duty for the first time in my life today. The case was over with today, a one day trial. I got to be the jury foreman. Not afraid to speak, so they chose me.

I think if I had not been present, an innocent kid (25 years old) would have been convicted over something totally stupid and not his fault. I think my presence definitely made a difference. Some of the jurors were not overly outspoken nor educated. Scares me to think my fate could possibly be in the hands of some people. No matter how much the jury is admonished to just consider the testimony and points of law, the situation gets "what if'd to death". I have no doubt that the defendant would have been convicted because too many people who did not focus on the facts and the testimony could have been led or swayed just for convenience sake.

Several "no shows" who were arrested and admonishid by the judge for not showing up for jury selection.

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otis