Yep. Just sit and wait for some judge to let them know they wanted a panel. Every once in a while the phone up front would ring and the lady would say she'd be calling another group. (Supposedly, the names are randomly drawn by computer.) So then we'd all listen.

Mostly, it was boring although a good place to people-watch if you like that. I was amazed at some people. Most dressed comfortably but decently but there were a couple of women decked out in rather inappropriate dresses and high heels. Maybe they were looking to snag a lawyer. And one young guy was in a suit and tie but that may have been how he is comfortable.

I don't like to make chitchat so didn't talk much although the guy next to me was kind of interesting......a PI and process server so we talked some. He said they knew they wouldn't ever seat him since he works for the court but they made him report anyway.

I took snacks, canned drink in with me so wouldn't have to buy any food. Also a note pad, book, etc. to keep myself amused. Several of the young people had electronic whatevers to play with and a couple had laptops. Security like at the airport. There were restrooms, vending machines and water fountains available so you could get up and go when you needed and we got a twenty break mid-morning if anyone wanted to leave that floor or go outside to smoke. Cell phones were okay to use so lots of people talked on the phone but she did say if we got called for a panel to turn it off when we got in line because the judges got furious if a cellphone went off in the courtroom. I saw several people turn theirs off as they were walking to get in line so they took her seriously.

It was an interesting experience but all I wanted to do. I know people who really want to serve on juries but I'll just read my mystery books. LOL Was told that when they call out a big group (40 ) that it's usually for a murder trial since they know they'll end up excusing a lot. That makes sense and one woman I talked to who'd gone out in a big group said they were choosing a jury for a trial of attempted murder. She was excused because she had had an uncle murdered a dozen years ago but she had to go back into the pool.
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Jeopardy, Catiya, Octavia and Medley

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