I have always enjoyed Law and Order stories. Authors like John Grisham, Robert Whitlow, and Terri Blackstock have provided me with many hours of reading and speculating. When I was tapped for Jury duty a few years ago, I looked forward to it. I was eager to see the workings of justice up close.
A sub was secured for my classroom, and I arrived at the courthouse early and with confidence. Prior to actually selecting the jury, a law officer explained a little about the scenario and crime we would be hearing about once a jury was seated. He talked in a friendly manner as he probed the pool of possible jurors and sought to put everyone at ease. Then he called on random individuals and asked questions that might reveal if a particular person could be fair and unbiased.
The defendant and his attorney were present as well. Suddenly, I sat up straighter as I heard my name. Mrs. Carter, “Do you think a person might lie in order to avoid punishment?” What kind of a question is that? Seemed like a no brainer to me.
In my best professional voice I answered, “I work with Second Graders. Yes, I believe someone might lie in order to avoid punishment.”
I noticed the Defense Attorney jot down something on his tablet. Surely he was making note that I would be a better juror, alert to the truth.
Presently, the officer in charge announced they would go ahead and seat a potential jury. He invited the first two rows of possible jurors to take their place in the jury box. There I was, third seat, front row, ready to determine justice. The defending attorney was allowed to dismiss up to three of the jurors-giving no reason. I could not believe my ears. The first one he asked to be dismissed was me—the first one.
I don’t understand. Why would I be recused, withdrawn, disqualified? All he knew about me was I worked for a Christian School, and I believed someone might lie to avoid punishment. Wouldn’t the court system want someone who based their reasoning on Psalm 34, inspired by King David’s struggle with truth? It declares, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.” (Psalm 34:12,13 NIV). The writer of Proverbs also admonishes, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go free.” (Proverbs 19:5 NIV). Alas, lying is one of the seven things that God hates. (Proverbs 6:17 NIV) To this day, in spite of that Defense Attorney’s opinion, I think I would have been a fair and impartial juror.
Based on a true story.