I got summoned to jury duty in downtown Detroit. I showed up at the Third Judicial Circuit Court.
I was told to be there at 7:30 am and we all sat in holding area. Nothing starts until 9 am.
I understand some people feel honored to do this civic duty. That’s great. Personally I do not.
I do not see the reason it is forced upon us when it is not something I want anything to do with.
I have been in courthouses and in front of judge’s numerous times. I do not wish to do it again. I do my best to purposely stay away. It was scary to see some of the people who did enjoy doing this.
I witnessed a mother outside the courtroom hearing her son was already taken and going away 30 years. I didn’t see the man and yet it broke my heart. Of course everyone will say he must have deserved it. I don’t feel comfortable making that decision. I am still thinking about this. It’s not a television show. It’s not the movies. It’s people’s lives and I find it heartbreaking. I perform stand up comedy and talk about the show Making A Murderer. I watched 1 minute and 58 seconds of it and had to turn on Winnie the Pooh. Its true. I couldn’t handle the feeling I got and in under 2 minutes changed it to something cute and happy.
I felt anger, anxiety and fear being there. I showed up at 7:30 like they summoned. I didn’t ignore it like many people do. I took it seriously. I just don’t understand why I don’t have the freedom to not partake in it. During the hours of waiting I made a decision I was going to tell the Honorable Judge I was not comfortable with being there and did not want to participate. As a law abiding citizen don’t I have a right? I convinced myself honesty was the best policy and there was nothing wrong with speaking up for myself. I got selected on the jury. I was feeling warm and nauseous. I didn’t want to be in this building any longer. As he went through list of questions leading to why we should or shouldn’t be on the jury I raised my hand every time. The first time was due to schedule and availability. I said had had busy schedule the following day I couldn’t afford to miss it plus I was not comfortable being there and didn’t want to do this.
Next questions followed. I raised my hand in hopes I would disqualify myself. Yes I know people in law enforcement. Yes I know lawyers. Yes I’ve been arrested. Normally I would not volunteer this information in a room full of strangers but I admitted my past crimes and tried to explain why I believe I have a felony record. Finally he said I’m going to excuse you.
Thank you!
Before I got excused there was an older gentleman who got excused due to his record. It surprised me. He looked very kind and humble. When he raised his hand and admitted he had had a felony over 30 years ago thats when the Judge said “you’re excused”. Now he didn’t look as thrilled to be excused as I had been. It almost looked hurtful. I ended up seeing him check out at the main office and I smiled and said “I was excused right after you”. I was hoping to let him know he wasn’t alone. He looked sad. So we started walking out together and ended up talking at least 20 minutes by the exit. I heard his story and shared some of mine. I could tell he was a kind man. He wasn’t always. He had been a dealer, an addict and a criminal. He did his time. It was decades ago. He changed his life and found God. We both shared stories how we should be dead but we know there was something bigger looking out for us. We both have found peace and humility. We exchanged cards. He is a parking attendant at DMC. He belongs to Truth Church in Detroit. It sounds like a lovely church that does a lot for its people. He told me how they take them on vacation if they can buy the plane ticket they pay for ALL their other expenses! His face lit up as he said “it’s not a retreat or conference! It’s a vacation”. I felt his joy. It made me smile for him. I don’t believe in accidents. I was sent to jury duty to meet this man. His name is Myron. I am grateful to have met him.
We both made mistakes and learned from them.
We are both changed people.
Doesn’t it make sense why I don’t want to judge someone else?
If you see Myron at DMC or know anyone at Truth Church in Detroit make sure to say hello.
You will be glad you did : )