Mistrial

Hey there.  This is Mike.  Steph wanted me to write about my jury duty adventures.

People say that real trials are nothing like what you see on TV.  This case was *exactly* like what you see on TV.  It was a murder case and it had it all.   Defense lawyers grilling detectives and accusing them of sloppy police work.   Witnesses brought in in prison jumpsuits and shackles.  The witness who is in love with the defendant even though he doesn't love her back.  Insect evidence proving the time of death.  Drugs.  Sex.  Alcohol.  Conspiracy.  A robbery-gone-south that turned into murder.  High-speed chases in get away cars.   A gun ditched in the bushes and a criminal coming back for it later.  Accusations of evidence tampering by police.  Tangled webs of text messages and phone records connecting all the participants together.  Plea bargains, video taped confessions....

...and a ruling of "mistrial".

I was disappointed that we didn't get to see the case all the way through, and make a decision one way or the other - even though I admit I was a bit nervous about actually making that decision.

During the case, some of the jury members commented about having to stay so long or about how it was uncomfortable to sit so long.  For me though, seeing the defendant at the table and some of the witness testifying while their hands were cuffed behind them, I was just happy knowing that I would be able to go home at the end of the day.

I was very impressed about the care that the court took to preserve the rights of a defendant accused of murder.  Of how respectful and civil everyone was.  The judge calling defendant and witness alike "sir" even though they were on trial or were wearing a prison jumpsuit.   It's easy to forget how one of the basic tenants of our government is that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  

In the middle of the political mess of this election season, with candidates saying they may not even accept the results of the election, it was nice to see something working the way the constitution says it should.  I was glad to have the experience but am also glad it's done.