Reading your description of military vs. civilian trials, I noticed that you contrasted the single juror standard in civilian trials with the one-third of panel in military trials. In a civilian trial, a single hold-out juror means a hung jury and (usually) a re-trial. Is it the same with military panels?
And I think the point about military personnel not trying to get out of jury duty is because their pay continues regardless. Jury duty can be a severe financial hardship for civilians, especially those who are self-employed.
Bill, though your point is valid, it is also true that many civilians regard jury duty as a bother and actively try to get out of it. I remember telling Phil about having to get a doctor's certificate excusing me from jury duty and having mixed feelings about it. On the one hand I was very grateful to have a legitimate reason to get out of it. On the other, I felt slightly guilty at shirking my civic responsibility. He observed that I shouldn't worry about it; I had sound reasons to be excused, unlike some people who got excused "because they had just washed their hair." He definitely sounded like he had someone specific in mind. I didn't pursue that tangent though. His point was clear - some people get excused from jury duty on the flimsiest of pretexts, and that made him angry. I recall him serving on one jury during the time I knew him, though I can't remember what the trial was - nothing as exciting and terrible as a murder trial though.
On the other hand, I remember my Music Prof., Sr. Sally Marsh, going for jury duty and being surprised and slightly hurt at being rejected. It wasn't because of her poor eyesight though. She described to us filling out the questionnaires and it seemed she had some knowledge or connection that disqualified her because they said it would compromise her objectivity. She said she didn't remember having such knowledge till she filled out the questionnaire. Wish I could remember the details.
Have an extremely LOUD bird this morning. I 'spect the house wrens are back, ack. I wouldn't mind them, but they're so aggressive that they drive everyone else away. This bird seems to find Beau offensive, lol! Maybe he'll keep them gone.
Just got the most awesome news after labwork results: my chances of having a heart attack in the next ten years is 6.41%!!! Note that sweet little decimal point! Given my family history, this is phenomenal!! Guess I'm rocking the healthy lifestyle! :-D
My mother had her first heart attack at age 54, and I'm 57. For generations, all the women on both sides of my family have died of heart attack, except one maternal aunt whose diabetes got there first. Can't even say it's that I take after the men because they die of strokes.
My YouTube views are now over fifteen hundred, validating my decision to re-establish the channel. In my small way I fill a need or provide a service.
Like I said to Sis, it's a pity my most successful venture ever is something I can't get paid for. She was philosophical, or perhaps cynical. "That's the way it goes." She's right of course, but somehow it doesn't seem quite fair. However as the wise man said, life isn't fair.
Spiritual guidance, painting, helping out a neighbour, and so much more are all things one will never get rich by. Of course, when we think of all the ways some people get rich on the backs of others, well...we're on the best side of the possibilities. ♥
I'm helping run science fiction conventions these days. And NOBODY gets paid to do that. The rewards are personal gratification and, sometimes, peer recognition. Sounds like you're entitled to both.
My computer is still kaput, and Blogger won't let me set up new threads via iPhone. There is already one set to Post at 1am, but that's all from me until I can get my computer fixed or replaced!
puddle, any chance you could use photos from my FB photo album archives to make a week's worth of new threads to tide us over? Any photo without people is fine. Let me know if you can't or if you have questions!
Thanks! Is there anyone else with the keys besides Renee? I might be able to send you links to certain of my photos using Mah*Sweetie's computer, if that would help.
Looks like a cheese-enhanced plate, but first rate, like Howard!
ReplyDeleteI managed to kill the previous thread--didn't notice the time. And now to bed. [OK because I took a nap after getting home from the Bay Area.]
--Alan
Reading your description of military vs. civilian trials, I noticed that you contrasted the single juror standard in civilian trials with the one-third of panel in military trials. In a civilian trial, a single hold-out juror means a hung jury and (usually) a re-trial. Is it the same with military panels?
DeleteAnd I think the point about military personnel not trying to get out of jury duty is because their pay continues regardless. Jury duty can be a severe financial hardship for civilians, especially those who are self-employed.
Alan, I enjoyed your discussion. Thanks.
DeleteBill, though your point is valid, it is also true that many civilians regard jury duty as a bother and actively try to get out of it. I remember telling Phil about having to get a doctor's certificate excusing me from jury duty and having mixed feelings about it. On the one hand I was very grateful to have a legitimate reason to get out of it. On the other, I felt slightly guilty at shirking my civic responsibility. He observed that I shouldn't worry about it; I had sound reasons to be excused, unlike some people who got excused "because they had just washed their hair." He definitely sounded like he had someone specific in mind. I didn't pursue that tangent though. His point was clear - some people get excused from jury duty on the flimsiest of pretexts, and that made him angry. I recall him serving on one jury during the time I knew him, though I can't remember what the trial was - nothing as exciting and terrible as a murder trial though.
On the other hand, I remember my Music Prof., Sr. Sally Marsh, going for jury duty and being surprised and slightly hurt at being rejected. It wasn't because of her poor eyesight though. She described to us filling out the questionnaires and it seemed she had some knowledge or connection that disqualified her because they said it would compromise her objectivity. She said she didn't remember having such knowledge till she filled out the questionnaire. Wish I could remember the details.
Have an extremely LOUD bird this morning. I 'spect the house wrens are back, ack. I wouldn't mind them, but they're so aggressive that they drive everyone else away. This bird seems to find Beau offensive, lol! Maybe he'll keep them gone.
ReplyDeleteGo Beau!
DeleteJust got the most awesome news after labwork results: my chances of having a heart attack in the next ten years is 6.41%!!! Note that sweet little decimal point! Given my family history, this is phenomenal!! Guess I'm rocking the healthy lifestyle! :-D
ReplyDeleteWay to go, listener!
DeleteThanks, Cat! I'm kind of floating in surprise!!
DeleteMy mother had her first heart attack at age 54, and I'm 57. For generations, all the women on both sides of my family have died of heart attack, except one maternal aunt whose diabetes got there first.
DeleteCan't even say it's that I take after the men because they die of strokes.
AMAZED!
My YouTube views are now over fifteen hundred, validating my decision to re-establish the channel. In my small way I fill a need or provide a service.
ReplyDeleteLike I said to Sis, it's a pity my most successful venture ever is something I can't get paid for. She was philosophical, or perhaps cynical. "That's the way it goes." She's right of course, but somehow it doesn't seem quite fair. However as the wise man said, life isn't fair.
You get an extra jewel in your crown. ;-)
DeleteSpiritual guidance, painting, helping out a neighbour, and so much more are all things one will never get rich by. Of course, when we think of all the ways some people get rich on the backs of others, well...we're on the best side of the possibilities. ♥
I'm helping run science fiction conventions these days. And NOBODY gets paid to do that. The rewards are personal gratification and, sometimes, peer recognition. Sounds like you're entitled to both.
DeleteMade that decision at 19--I knew full well that poets never get paid anything, lol!
DeleteHouston, we have a problem.
ReplyDeleteMy computer is still kaput, and Blogger won't let me set up new threads via iPhone. There is already one set to
Post at 1am, but that's all from me until I can get my computer fixed or replaced!
puddle, any chance you could use photos from my FB photo album archives to make a week's worth of new threads to tide us over? Any photo without people is fine. Let me know if you can't or if you have questions!
XOXOXXX
Having no success tonight with either blogger OR facebook. Will keep working it.
DeleteThanks! Is there anyone else with the keys besides Renee?
DeleteI might be able to send you links to certain of my photos using Mah*Sweetie's computer, if that would help.