But a great part of that stench results from too many people ducking out of jury duty. Juries of good, smart people are at the very core of making a justice system that works. I’d bet most of the people who bellyache about the quality of the justice system are the self-same ones that dodge jury duty every time they’re called.
I wish more people would do their part with a little more enthusiasm. I’ve been on two juries in the last few years, and it’s been a fascinating experience.
You might lose that bet, at least if there are others like me. I've lived in Albuquerque for almost fifteen years and have NEVER been called to jury duty. I've often assumed it was because I am a registered Republican and can be easily identified as being a middle-aged white male. I personally think this says a lot about why the American justice system is so very ill.
I’d love to do it. Right now though I quite frankly can’t afford the time off work and my family comes first.
I've gone through the process twice. The last time I was asked to fill out a questionaire I checked the yes box next to the question "Do you have any physical or mental disabilities which would exclude you from serving on a jury?"
In the blank requesting an explanation I wrote "too intelligent."
This was about three years ago. I haven't been called since.