Message #53014

[JessW]

I really would not worry too much about this.  It is merely a question, as I see it, of emphasis.  The defending lawyer wants to get his acquitted at all costs immaterial of the facts and the prosecuting counsel wants a unanimous verdict against the plaintiff (if they are that sort of case).  Neither side can afford to have an undecided vote or number of undecided votes as a) it would tarnish their reputation and b) mean the case could be drawn out for far too long, in which time they could be deprived of further cases.

My advice to you is that if this is how your jury duty goes then enjoy messing with their heads, be questioned but answer as your concience dictates and know that you have done your bit.  Jury duty only lasts so long and thereafter you have done your bit.  The courts can ask for nothing more than what your concience can handle.

Be brave, be bold and beep the lawyers.  They get paid quite nicely to win their cases and have to 'work' hard to get the right result while you will be essentially paid to do very little bar attending and answering a few evaluative questions.

Enjoy the experience...it will be quite unique and never happen again.

Jess