As a former news reporter who covered the court beat on a regular basis for years, I've had my fair share of experiences with the court system. However, spending an entire day (nearly nine hours) in voir dire yesterday as a potential juror provided me a new perspective on not only the system, but also on people in general. I spent the majority of the time soaking it all in -- the people, the process and the system as a whole. Most intriguing by far were the people and their stories. I suspect I know now more intimate details about the lives of a roomful of strangers than I do about a number of my friends.
Particularly interesting were the views held by a many of potential jurors pertaining to mental illnesses. The case involved a man who allegedly shot and killed two of his neighbors last year and has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. What amazed me was the large number of individuals who basically do not believe mental illnesses exist. I understand the speculation surrounding the not- guilty-by-reason-of-mental-illness plea, but to denounce mental illnesses as a whole?
And, perhaps it wouldn't be fair to say the experience provided me with a new perspective, but instead reminded me that the world is filled with differing opinions, perspectives and biases.
I am just happy to report that I will not be spending the next week-and-a-half as a juror. Deducting from what little we were told about the case (in addition to the news reports and other information I discovered last night), it is not going to be an easy week for any of them.
In other news, I made the move downtown this weekend (in the rain, no less) and am LOVING my new place. I cannot wait until every last box is unpacked and I am completely settled. Next comes exploring my new neighborhood - yay!
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