HEART TO HEART

MY TOUR OF JURY DUTY

I have to tell you, like most (busy Realtor) people I have been dodging the bullet of Jury Duty for a long time.  I remember siting  and have the attoney's ask me questions about my life and if I had any likes and if I knew anyone in the courtroom and all that sought of stuff. I never made it onto the Jury, mainly because I knew many attorneys' due to my business and my previous career a paralegal didn't help.

They finally got my full attention. I was called for October 1 in Monmouth County. I thought it would be one day and out. I am working on the third day tomorrow.  I am having a wonderful time I may take this on as a permanent job, it is hurry up and wait. That is how I spent my day. They let you have your cell phone in the Jury Room but it doesn't work no service, you can have your laptop but here is the rub, it is a huge room holds perhaps 600-700 juror's at the same time it has 3 outlets to charge your laptop when your battery is dead.

So you make friends, I think I am best at that.  I was passing cards and just met the greatest people from all over the county. We were to serve for a week, I was under the impression checked in on Monday and then you called the phone # to see if you were needed. I was quite taken back when I was told you are on for a week and be here at 8:30 tomorrow. I haven't been given orders like that since school. I personally like to give the "orders". The first day no call, one group for jury went up and came back down. Today, WOW it got so busy I had to get rid of my equipment, to go up on the elevator to the Courtroom I missed the correct door we are to use and set the alarm off, big time. I never saw so many uniforms, every color. This is the County Seat, criminal and civil together, this is where our forefathers fought the Battle of Monmouth, right under this Courthouse. Well so much for today, I didn't make it into the Jury Box on a civil trial (I can't tell you why) but in this Court the Judge questions you and then you get to sidebar with the attorneys'.

I took it for granted it was late and we were the only ones left so we would be sent home for the week. WRONG, we were told we were needed tomorrow morning 8:30 am. I thought after what I did today they would surely say Bye.

In the middle of all this I received an email telling me they released all the FOXTON's listings. It would be like a stampede and I couldn't use my phone. That is how I had the door trouble, I had to hit the street to make a call to get a few of these listings secured. I just don't know why they don't understand.

I will continue this tomorrow, I have to leave early go to the office first then the Courthouse............................to be continued please give me your comments and maybe your experience......................................................  

Published Tuesday, October 02, 2007 7:53 PM by Kathy Stanavitch QSC,ABR,CDPE