Jury Deliberation

So, I am asked if I would like to stay overtime in my job for a Jury Verdict. Well, Hell yes. That means that I am being paid time and a half.

A Jury went out at 4:00 p.m. and I helped pick this Jury so I know them... so to speak. Meaning that the names and faces are somewhat familiar because you sat while the Judge, the Plaintiff's attorney,,, and the Defense Attorney,,, questioned them to no end.......and then you went into Judge's Chambers and the Attorney's decided who they liked and who they didn't. That gave me a face,,, with a name ,,,,with a reason. Anyway...............

I sat.... and sat..... and finally at 7:45 the Bailiff calls me and says: They have the verdict. That is my que to run up to the courtroom and sit in my seat and we all stand and invite the Jury back into the room to give their verdict.

I take the verdict,,,, But Wait.... The judge asks the attorneys if they would like the jury polled.........................OUCH.... that means that I have to pronounse every jurors name correctly and ,,,,one by one ,,,,,,ask them if they believe their verdict is the one they want.... Geeze,, I am now uncomfortable. Never done this before... Way to make a couple bucks on overtime..

I stand,,, I call out each Juror's name and ask them if their verdict is the one they want and damn,,, I am glad to be done. This was not what I expected. But,,, I am the Clerk and this is my duty and I should be glad to perform it. I truly am privileged to be performing the duty I have. My job has a meaning and it is important to the justice system as we know it. I have respect for the justice system our country has in place and know that however menial I may feel my job might require of me,,, it is truly on the books as justice served.

The Judge thanks the Jury and the Attorneys and we all go home.

I love my job.