This is an informational journal about Jury Duty for those that are subject to being summoned, but have not been picked before. I believe many of us wonder what it would be like to sit on a jury if we were picked. I can go into as much detail as I want now as I have finished my duty and have been released by the judge. Please Note: This is based off my recent experience this past week. If you are selected yours may be different!

Case Details: This was a federal civil case about liability and seeking damages after an 18 wheeler crosses a median and a car on the opposite freeway struck it.

Basic Jury Information:

• After you are picked the judge gives you instructions on conduct and what you are allowed/not allowed to do.
• Depending on the case the jury size ranges.
• Every time you take a break during the trial you are taken back to the jury room.

Things Jurors Can Do:

• Leave during the Lunch to Eat.
• Go outside during Lunch.
• Discuss matters other than the case.
• Ask general questions about Jury Duty of the Court Officer
• Bring a Lunch instead of going out to eat.
• Make friends with the other jurors.
• Joke around with the staff when court is not in session.

Things Jurors Can't Do:

• Talk with people about the case until the case is over and released by the judge.
• Let their emotions sway their verdict.
• Rely on outside information to come to a verdict.
• Use a dictionary to define words during deliberation.
• Search for information about the case at home.
• Talk to the attorneys or their clients during the case.
• Leave the jury room once deliberation has started.
• Bring in a Cellphone
• Bring in reading material for Breaks.

Other Miscellaneous Things about Jury Duty:

• It gets cold in court so bring a jacket
• The chairs are not very comfortable
• The court I was at provided coffee and donuts to us
• Be prepared to see some horrific images or videos