Not looking forward to my day
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 373
Not looking forward to my day
I got called for jury duty this week. Yesterday I was selected to sit on a jury panel where we get questioned and eventually selected for the jury, or dismissed. (voir dire)
Today will be my day to be questioned.
The problem is, it is a criminal case that involves child abuse and mental illness. I have already watched the court question 18 people. So I know that they're going to ask me about my experiences with child abuse, and my parents' mental illness. These are not things I talk about and not something I'm willing to say in front of 50 strangers. I know I can ask for a sidebar (private conversation with judge and attorneys) but even doing that lets others know that I have "secrets"...
Very uncomfortable day coming up. I have to keep reminding myself that my parents' actions are not my fault and not a reflection of me... blah, blah, blah! Easier said than done!
Please let them dismiss me from this case! It'll be bad enough to have to answer their questions today. It'll be much worse if I have to sit and listen to stories about child abuse and a mentally unstable Mother. Blah!
Sorry for the vent!
Today will be my day to be questioned.
The problem is, it is a criminal case that involves child abuse and mental illness. I have already watched the court question 18 people. So I know that they're going to ask me about my experiences with child abuse, and my parents' mental illness. These are not things I talk about and not something I'm willing to say in front of 50 strangers. I know I can ask for a sidebar (private conversation with judge and attorneys) but even doing that lets others know that I have "secrets"...
Very uncomfortable day coming up. I have to keep reminding myself that my parents' actions are not my fault and not a reflection of me... blah, blah, blah! Easier said than done!
Please let them dismiss me from this case! It'll be bad enough to have to answer their questions today. It'll be much worse if I have to sit and listen to stories about child abuse and a mentally unstable Mother. Blah!
Sorry for the vent!
Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Dallas, Tx
Posts: 2,405
Hopefully the attorneys questioning you will be smart and see from your eyes and/or your expression that you would not be a good choice. I've never been picked for a jury, only been called about 3 times, and I think it's because I make a point of showing what I feel through my eyes/face. Good luck
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
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I hope that you will not have to say more than you are comfortable saying.
If you are chosen, try to see it as an opportunity to help a child. I SO OFTEN wish that an adult had reached out to help me, but no one ever did. This could be your chance to that for a child.
If you are chosen, try to see it as an opportunity to help a child. I SO OFTEN wish that an adult had reached out to help me, but no one ever did. This could be your chance to that for a child.
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 373
Originally Posted by 51anna 
I hope that you will not have to say more than you are comfortable saying.
If you are chosen, try to see it as an opportunity to help a child. I SO OFTEN wish that an adult had reached out to help me, but no one ever did. This could be your chance to that for a child.
If you are chosen, try to see it as an opportunity to help a child. I SO OFTEN wish that an adult had reached out to help me, but no one ever did. This could be your chance to that for a child.
Fortunately, the child is already out of danger. The Mother has already been convicted by a different jury. This hearing will decide if the Mother is legally insane or not. So she will either be going to jail or a mental institute. I would have to help decide if the Mother gets help or not. If I'm picked, I will have to work very hard to be compassionate, but not too compassionate. I'm not even sure which way I might swing. Too angry at the Mother because of my anger? Or too compassionate because I do deep down wish that my parents would get help and somehow magically become healthy great parents.
I know EXACTLY what you mean about wishing that an adult would have reached out to help. Still working on my anger in that department with my therapist.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 373
I've tried to post here 3 times and everytime, I lose it! 
I really thought the last time worked!
I'm home and doing fine. I got dismissed from the case (Yay!)
Thank you everyone for your support. I was a bit freaked out!
I really thought the last time worked!I'm home and doing fine. I got dismissed from the case (Yay!)
Thank you everyone for your support. I was a bit freaked out!
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