As we speak, I'm currently in the jury room at one of the courthouses in downtown Manhattan. I've run out of postponements so I'm here to fulfill my civic duty.
When I was younger, I used to love jury duty. I treated it like a mini-vacation. What was there not to love? It meant I didn't have to go into the office. I could wear whatever I wanted. I could try a few restaurants downtown that I normally wouldn't visit. I might even be put on a case that would prove to be semi-interesting.
But now? None of those things mean anything to me. I'd rather be in the office. I've got responsibilities, dammit! And it just so happens that a lot of things are going on at work that I have to deal with.
But I will say that there are two bright aspects to my current state of affairs.
(1) I'm currently sitting in the courtroom they they use to film "Law & Order." Although I generally like to remain nonplussed about many things, I've got to admit that it's pretty damn cool. For those of you who don't know, some of the show is shot at a studio in L.A. However, virtually all the exterior and courtroom shots are filmed on location in New York. Since I've seen pretty much every episode of the show at least once, I recognize every single detail...the paintings in the courtroom, the hallway outside the jury room, and the steps leading up to the courthouse. In fact, I keep expecting to run into Jack McCoy in the bathroom, Emil Skoda in the hallway or Arthur Branch in the deli across the street.
(2) I can hardly believe it but the jury room is configured with Wifi. Figuring that I would be here all day, I brought 3 newspapers, the New Yorker and the latest novel from Haruki Murakami. At the last minute, I grabbed my computer, figuring that I could at least draft some e-mails during the day. But now? Woo hoo! I can surf the net all day until I get called for a trial. God bless the Internet! God bless the man who invented it. And God bless New York County for giving me wireless access in the jury room.
I'll keep you all posted if anything interesting happens. But for now? Just remember that...
"In the criminal justice system the people are represented by two separate, yet equally important groups. The police who investigate crime and the District Attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories." Doink, Doink!
While you wait, practice what you're gonna say to get dismissed from jury selection. A few possible ones...
1) Come on, your Honor - Look at him! He looks guilty to me!
2) I don't work well with others.
3) It is in my belief system that Police Officers are always correct, and NEVER lie. (I actually saw someone use this once and he was dismissed)
4) You see, I've got this blog to keep up...
5) Have I ever been convicted of a crime? Well no, but thank goodness you only asked about convictions, because I've committed a ton of crimes that I just haven't got caught at yet!
Posted by: Matthew | June 27, 2005 at 01:02 PM
Nothing worse the jury duty. But hey, at least your gonna get $25 for all your hard work. Maybe you can bye some gum or something.
Posted by: Jennifer | June 27, 2005 at 01:20 PM
That is so cool. I love Law & Order. Let us know if you see Adam Schiff anywhere.
Posted by: Lisa | June 27, 2005 at 01:39 PM
At least you don't spend your day of "civic engagement" doing stupid stuff, like downloading porn all day.
Posted by: Queen of Ass | June 27, 2005 at 02:57 PM
When the judge dismisses you, loudly ask "Is it because I'm a lesbian?"
Posted by: Jason | June 27, 2005 at 05:25 PM
Aren't the interior shoots for Law & Order done in the studio at Chelsea Piers?
I used to work downtown, so seeing all the locations never got me all that fired up, but I did see Jill Hennessey at Lohmans a year ago. Now that was plussing.
Posted by: Merle | June 27, 2005 at 05:50 PM
I only registered to vote for the first time last October. I'm hoping to not get called for jury duty. I don't even know where my county courthouse is!
Posted by: Kristie | June 28, 2005 at 10:40 AM
LOVE L&O. How exciting to have wifi AND be in the same courtroom as has appeared in shows.
Posted by: Susie | June 28, 2005 at 10:48 AM
Somehow you manage to be a "cool guy" and a goober all at the same time. What a talent. Wifi rules!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 28, 2005 at 12:13 PM
I agree with Jennifer. Part of the reason that I love reading your blog is because you're a geek...but you're a cool geek. And I like the fact that you speak your mind and don't care what anyone else thinks. It's a great trait. Keep it up!
Posted by: Julie | June 28, 2005 at 02:01 PM
Dang, how many times have you been called for jury duty? You're a seasoned pro, it seems.
Posted by: enygma | June 28, 2005 at 11:41 PM
I had to go once while we were in Michigan, got sent home after a couple of hours, then I had to call back every day for the rest of the week to see if I had to go back, which llkicuy I never did. Nice that you have to do it on your birthday!
Posted by: Murza | April 20, 2013 at 02:40 PM