My wife has just been called up for jury service for the second time. The first time she sat through 4 cases. This time around, she really doesn't want to do it as we had both booked the week off because of a wedding we are going to the day before she has to start.

Personally, I would love to be bored out of my mind !! (beats sitting in an office)

Hmmm, interesting idea for professional jurors MotherG. I never thought about it before.

I was chosen for a jury in Manhattan after sitting in a frigid room for most of 3 days. A looping video (set to a rather high volume) on the justice system and a juror's part in it played the entire time. It was a cruel form of torture and I'm surprised I wasn't a driveling idiot by the time my name was called. At any rate I was chosen, and being the last in line, I was made one of 2 reserve jurors. A reserve juror is sworn in and sits and listens to the trial in the box with the rest of the jury, and forms an opinion but never speaks it. If for any reason an active juror can no longer serve the trial, the reserve is called upon. I was never called upon, never said a word.

BTW, I have a post graduate education and was employed at the time. Fortunately, my employer payed my full salary while I served but I know this is not the case for everyone.

I presently live in Canada, which I am also a citizen of, and expect they will be sending me the dreaded letter anytime now. My husband was tagged for Canadian duty this year and couldn't get out of going. He sat around for 2 days, but was not even called for possible selection before they released him. He brought his laptop with and got lots of work done, so not a total waste of time for him.