Dear Gabbie…

“Dear Gabbie” is written with the simple hope of bringing a few smiles to your day and is not meant to replace the advice of professionals… especially your mom!

Dear Gabbie:

I just received a jury summons in the mail, and my heart sank when I saw it! I am not interested in serving on a jury AT ALL. I don’t have a legitimate reason not to serve, but really want to find a way to get out of it. Help!

Dear Not Interested,

Honestly, I don’t know many people who “whoop it up” at the roadside when they pull that JURY SUMMONS envelope out of the mailbox. A Kohl’s flyer with a 30% coupon, on the other hand … well, I digress.

We all know it’s important to fulfill our civic duty and participate in our judicial system when requested (okay, more like “demanded”). The truth is, our legal process depends on a pool of competent folks to keep the system movin’ along.

Recently, I read about actress Reese Witherspoon’s experience serving on a jury. When it was time to choose a foreman, two members of the jury suggested choosing Reese, believing that she had a law degree. Why? Because she had portrayed a lawyer in the movie “Legally Blonde!” WHAT?!! Not quite the “jury of your peers” you were imagining, right?! 

Just the fact that you wrote to me, shows you have above average intelligence 😊, so if your number is chosen, GET IN THERE!

Tamp down your uncertainty by reading the Frequently Asked Questions for jurors on the court website. You might even drive by the courthouse to familiarize yourself with the route and parking options. And, heck, watch a few dozen episodes of Law & Order, just to get in the mood.

Embrace such a unique experience, meet new people, and do your small part to serve your fellow citizens. Just start with not confusing actresses and lawyers, and you’ll already be one step ahead.

Judicially yours,

Gabbie