The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

I was picked for a jury for a criminal trial in late June. I am reporting on the experience on my blog today, tomorrow, and Wednesday. I tried to focus on aspects of the experience that would be of interest to mystery readers and writers. I hope you find the report interesting and useful.

http://bethgroundwater.blogspot.com/

Has anyone else served on a jury? For a murder trial, in particular?

yes

That was interesting, Beth. Can't wait for the next two installments!

Yes! I was on a jury for a very violent murder case where the victim had been beaten, raped and beheaded . It was a very difficult job to listen to the testimony and view the evidence. We also had to listen to testimony from several women who the man had raped previously. I had thought previously that in a case like that I would have no problem with applying the death penalty but it was much harder than I thought. The final sentence was life without the possibility of parole.

Oh my, Dena! What an awful case. I'm glad your jury put that guy away for life.

Several months later the verdict on that case and several others was put in doubt because of constitutional issues. Luckily no new trial was needed and he is still in prison.

*whew*, Dena.

Looking forward to part three, Beth.

Just read part three, Beth. It sounds like a fascinating experience. My mother served twice on juries and enjoyed (if that's the right word) the experience. I was called once while I was still living in the US, but I was in the middle of an intensive summer course at the time and so was excused immediately. I then moved to Italy so I have never had the opportunity.

Thank you so much for sharing that.

Fascinating! I dream about getting jury duty. I've wanted to serve since I first saw 12 Angry Men.

Thanks, everyone, for you comments! I am so, so glad we didn't have any "angry men" on our jury. :)

I just served on the jury for a murder trial last week. Anyone who claims being a juror is easy, is a liar. The enormity of what I had to do weighed heavily on me and unlike many of my fellow jurors, I took the responsibility very seriously and it was certainly an experience I will never forget.

Two men were on trial for the brutal murder of another man. Unfortunately, the crime took place back in 2005 and thank (or no thanks) to shoddy police work and questionable testimony, both of these men were found not guilty.

I've been on two juries. One was a three strikes case for a meth cooker. Cooking next to a school was the last straw. Gone.

Also on one for a attempted murder. Someone got disrespected and opened fire on a crowd. Caught on security camera. At least he cleaned up nice in court.

Friend served on a serial killer trial (Wayne Adam Ford). Guy turned himself in and had a woman's breast in his coat pocket at the time. Trial still took six months and my bud took a long time to get over it.

I was picked to serve on a jury a few years ago. I was really nervous about it. We were sworn in and then had to go and wait in the jury room. Everyone started ringing home to tell everyone they had been picked and they had no idea when they would be home. Then we were called back into court and the Judge told us the defendent had decided to plead guilty, and we were dismissed!