Stories from a jury room AKA how I love all the humans
Calling the number the night before…….it was clear I was going to be held up for a time, they were asking all 665 of us to report for jury duty on Monday morning. I had a sense that I was going to be put on a jury. Not quite how any of us wanted to spend the second week of the new year. Oh by the way the trial is expected to take 2 weeks. GULP
The murmurs of “I hope I get off”were definitely there, but you know what I saw more? A true desire to be of service. The first attorney that handled jury selection questions kept setting the stage, creating a friendly collegial atmosphere at the head table.
There was an authentic respect for us. Everyone involved in the case is standing when the potential jurors enter the room. We were thanked several times. The staff that welcomed us in the massive jury room made sure we knew what was expected and how our time would go. Might I say they were efficient and friendly.
Oh, the slice of life in that room. From at-home moms, teachers, special-ed specialists, a neurologist, business owners, night time manager of a fast food place, a police officer and a college student. (the high regard for their schedule, the college student was immediately released so she didn’t miss class). The life stories & experiences once jurors were questioned to discover any bias.
No complaining per se. I wonder if the hunger of civility is what will turn this country around? If I was stranded on an island I would have chosen my jury pool to play survivor with me—---hahahah. Such respect, such desire to be fair, such honesty about anything that might impede their ability to be fair for the plaintiff and the physician that was sued.
I had a little survivor's guilt when released, I knew that 12 people’s calendars were flipped absolutely upside down. Most were losing significant income so they could serve. I love how the judge made sure that no one experienced undue harm because they served, releasing a few people once they explained their situation. It was compassionate.
A beautiful cross section of humanity, Civil processes handled with respect, people that in one breath say this is going f*$ck up my week. But when interviewed, “no I see no reason I could not serve on this jury and be fair and impartial.”
It created such hope for me today. Yes, some systems were clunky but the Dekalb County Courthouse today shined. The citizens were the focus, the legal process was respected and justice was served.
More of this please. I have always seen (and was taught) that the government was clunky and inefficient.
THAT WAS NOT WHAT I SAW TODAY.
We are a divided country. THAT WAS NOT MY EXPERIENCE TODAY.
At 8 am THE most cheerful administrators checked in over 600 people. They were pleasant and helpful. THIS IS WHAT IS POSSIBLE.
As institutions are being torn down and attacked and eradicated in our country., rmember any system is simply as good as the people running it.
That is what I saw today. I’m in love with my new county and I have a renewed hope.
How can you and I as leaders show others a beautiful path to community? Honesty, encouragement, compassion and civility. I will let it always begin with me.
xoxo,
Diana
ps I had a powerful planning call with my coach today, I have more capacity than ever, let’s go 2026. Stay tuned.
pss What do you need today? I’m cheering you on!!!