I have recently served as a juror on a criminal case which lasted 9 working days - not calendar days.
It was a very enjoying & educational experience - a DNA expert was called to explain DNA basics, sample collection methods/proceudure, etc.
The only annoying/frustrating part was the security check upon entrance on the last day.
At the end of 2nd last day, the Judge told the jurors that charge & direction will be given the next day, the jurors will then be sequested to deliberate. As there is no indication as to how long the deliberation will last, jurors were asked to bring clean clothing, personal medication (if required), & personal care products the next day, just in case a night (minimum) in a hotel (the room will have no TV, Radio, & phone) is required.
So, I brought along clothing, tooth brush, tooth paste, & razor + blades (the razor blades are not the old-fashioned ones that you see in movies which look like a butcher knife, these are blades housed in a container of about 0.5" x 2.0"). The metal detector alarm sounded, the Officer could tell that I had razor blades from his monitor; he asked & I confirmed of their existence. I told the officer that I was a juror & might be placed in a hotel for the night. I was advised that I must discard the blades. I asked whether there was a "coat check" type facility where I could deposit my bag & pick up if/when I need to spend the night in a hotel. The reply was negative.
There being no other choice, I threw away all the razor blades in my possession.
I was pretty annoyed at the whole incident.
I agree 100% that security should not be compromised. If razor blades are not allowed, tell the jurors not to bring them; or provide coat-check facility at entrance only for jurors who are expected to spend the night in a hotel.
It was a very enjoying & educational experience - a DNA expert was called to explain DNA basics, sample collection methods/proceudure, etc.
The only annoying/frustrating part was the security check upon entrance on the last day.
At the end of 2nd last day, the Judge told the jurors that charge & direction will be given the next day, the jurors will then be sequested to deliberate. As there is no indication as to how long the deliberation will last, jurors were asked to bring clean clothing, personal medication (if required), & personal care products the next day, just in case a night (minimum) in a hotel (the room will have no TV, Radio, & phone) is required.
So, I brought along clothing, tooth brush, tooth paste, & razor + blades (the razor blades are not the old-fashioned ones that you see in movies which look like a butcher knife, these are blades housed in a container of about 0.5" x 2.0"). The metal detector alarm sounded, the Officer could tell that I had razor blades from his monitor; he asked & I confirmed of their existence. I told the officer that I was a juror & might be placed in a hotel for the night. I was advised that I must discard the blades. I asked whether there was a "coat check" type facility where I could deposit my bag & pick up if/when I need to spend the night in a hotel. The reply was negative.
There being no other choice, I threw away all the razor blades in my possession.
I was pretty annoyed at the whole incident.
I agree 100% that security should not be compromised. If razor blades are not allowed, tell the jurors not to bring them; or provide coat-check facility at entrance only for jurors who are expected to spend the night in a hotel.
