I didn't know you could volunteer. I've never been called. I think I would enjoy it, as long as it wasn't a long drawn out one. However, the friends that I have that HATE to be called, have been called two and three times a piece!

Lisa

When I've been called I have found the process interesting. You might want to bring something with you to read, because it usually takes some time for one to be chosen for a panel.

I didn't know one could volunteer either. I've been called several times--and picked once. I found it worthwhile, both from a duty and a human-interest standpoint, but it was a murder trial and very sad. Those autopsy photos tend to stick with you. I'm scheduled to be on standby for being called in a couple of weeks, and I'll be just as happy not to go. I could also happily skip the other part of experiencing the system from the inside out--eating county food.

I always wanted to sit a jury, and finally got called a few years ago on a civil action. I had crops in, a mother who needed me for health reasons, and my background in law enforcement and health care on this particular case would have probably disqualified me right from the get-go anyway. I was dismissed. I'd like to be called again, and do it. I've sat trials and been called to testify so am no stranger to the system.

I imagine you'll find it an interesting experience. Everyone should see the system in action. I hope your employer pays you for your time off. I suppose each court system has it's own rates, but ours is something like eight dollars a day. LOL.

Volunteer for jury duty? That's a new one on me.
I've been on quite a few over the years and been a foreman.
I finally had my name taken off because being a caregiver
is about all I can handle these days.

I found it interesting and learned a lot about how the system works.
I always took notes and was puzzled that most folks didn't.

I sat on a federal jury in the 70's, the infamous Yellowbird case. Or at least it was at that time. Not sure I want to do it again.

How payment works in Tennessee? They pay your $12 a day (I think that's still the going rate), and then your employer pays you -$12. I think.

I was actually calling in to find out when the last time was my boss served as he was trying to get out of it. He thought it had been a year ago (it's a no more than every 2 year thing here), but it had been 3 years. Then I said, "But I wish I could do it!" and she said, "You can." I assume they've changed the system due to voire dire. After all, you can kick out someone who might've been seeking it out for revenge purposes.

Right now, everyone is worried I'll get picked for the Marcia Trimble case as that jury will be sequestered. Nope. They finished that yesterday. I won't serve until October at the earliest. I don't even know if it's civil or criminal as we have one clerk for both types of courts. It doesn't matter, as I love it all. The application of law in all forms is interesting to me. Like I said, I'm a geek!

Here is a link that might be useful: Marcia's jury selected

I didn't know you could volunteer either. In NYC they call prospective jurors in huge batches -- up to 500 at the beginning of a case -- and the voir dire can take three days to sort out twelve eligible people. If you are not picked you are issued a "thanks for serving" certificate, just for sitting in a room for three days. You must bring water, snacks, something to read; something to do (fiber crafts are ideal) or listen to helps.

I've served on two criminal cases and one civil case in Brooklyn. I was sequestered once. We worked until 8 pm hearing all sorts of violent things (double murder, gang-related). Every one of us arrived at breakfast the next morning tired out from nightmares we'd had that night. After we made our decision and were released the next day, not one of us said no thanks when it was suggested we go out for drinks even though it was 11 in the morning. Even though that trial was a difficult one to serve in, I still think it was important that I served. I can still feel the appreciation that experience instilled in me for the kind of life my parents provided for me and that I then provided for myself in this city where a lot of people are deprived of safety, wise guidance, love, and opportunity.