The NYT had a recent article on police 'testilying'. Knowing of that problem, I think I at least would give credence on a case b y case basis, and not across the board to any profession.

Your post is confusing, but I think what you are asking is regarding whether you give more credence to the testimony of a police officer vs. someone/anyone else? And the fact that you admitted you do give more credence to a PO's testimony got you excused? And should you not admit to that?

I have seen PO's lie under oath. Were I a juror, I would give equal weight to their testimony and any others.

I served on a jury recently, a civil case. My first experience of our justice system. It was surprising/amusing/horrifying how much the lawyers on each side tried to play 'mind games' -- even in the jury selection phase. So, I wouldn't put too much effort into trying to figure out "the correct answer" to any question. Just answer what you honestly feel is true for you.

Incidentally, I was pleased that the six other jurors as well as me agreed that everyone deserves justice, regardless of your job title, looks, clothes, passed/present drug use, felony record, ability to speak glibly or not on the stand, etc.

I was picked only once. I am not understanding why you raised your hand, and then got called over to the judge.

Those who raised their hands were ones trying to get out of doing jury duty and went up to give a reason why they should be excused.

My case lasted two weeks. Much longer than it probably needed to. I agree with nikel, it was some experience.

When I almost got picked again a few years ago, I worked very hard to not be chosen. I knew I did not have the patience that it would take to sit, listen and not be bored, irritated or just plain antsy.

Thanks, Joyful, you got what I think and feel -that I would listen to everyone which is why the first time that the question had been asked, I didn't raise my hand. Mostly to get away from the person sitting next to me, I raised my hand the second time the judge asked, then tried to tell him that I would listen to everyone and should be allowed to stay. For the 3 week trial, I really raised my hand because of a variety of reasons that I did NOT want to be on that jury. And I threw the earlier judge's decision at this 2nd judge to help convince him to excuse me, which he thankfully took. In case anyone looks down on me for wanting to avoid this one, my reasons were my problem understanding accents, viewing graphic murder scene pictures, and a work related impact which I won't explain as I hold most of my personal information private here. And I did say that I wanted to be on the earlier jury. I am admittedly an odd duck, as I think going to jury duty is not an awful thing. I've made it several times up to being presented the case, but not making it onto a jury except for once around 1983. I've been called to jury duty several times.

How do you know that is the specific reason you weren't chosen? In jury selections I've been thru the questionnaires, and direct questions by the lawyers was how the jury was chosen. In each case that I was dismissed, I was never told the reason why the defense or prosecution did not want me. But based on my answers and the case, I could usually make a good guess as to why.

Your post is confusing me. It appears you give more credence to a police officer's testimony....but you consider all.....seems contradictory to me.

Carabubble, I am an odd duck along with you, I guess. I've been a juror twice and loved it. I found it so interesting. Both times were such learning experiences. Fortunately, the other jurors were great, too, and I respected them all. We worked well together.

I've done three trials as a juror in short criminal cases (the longest was 4 days in total) and enjoyed it each time. In two of the three, the credibility of a policeman's testimony influenced the outcome. For one, the inconsistencies led to a Not Guilty verdict. The other, it was Not Guilty of the more serious charge but guilty for a lesser charge. I respect police officers and am always extremely respectful to them. I know most take risks I would never take by endangering their own lives each day to protect citizens. Unfortunately there is a small percentage who don't always follow the rules and that's one of the reasons why people accused of crimes get trials.

One of my first jobs when I started working here decades ago was wiring a Nashville law office for voice and data. I was installing cabling in the 'war room' while the lawyers were discussing strategy for an upcoming trial. The discussion centered around putting an officer on the stand. I wasn't really eves dropping, I was in the room after all, and the lawyers were well aware of that fact. I pretty much ignored the conversation, but my ears really pricked up when I heard it said, of the officer in question, that they would be questioning a professional liar, after all. Unfortunately, a bell can't be 'un-rung', so I think of that whenever a see a piece about officer involved shootings and beatings and listen to law enforcement's explanations.

I have never sat on a jury. The closest came when I had to fill out the long juror questionnaire voir dire form.

I have been directly involved with too many police that lie through their teeth. I say that not as a criminal but a victim. They even tried to use me as a pawn to get to someone else. Once as teen and once as an adult. On the other hand as young person I had LE's protect me. But they were often good liars too.

So I would say my trust in law enforcement is pretty jaded. However I do know there are some very good cops out there. I also know there is are 3 sides to every story and the truth is generally in the middle. So I can honestly say I would take everyone's testimony with an open mind. I am biased about most everyone. Equally biased. Trust and respect must be earned by me where you are a bum on the street or a well known philanthropist The playing field is level for all.

I've never served on a jury, but I hope I would be impartial. I have an ex-BIL who is a retired officer, so I know there are good police. But, with all of the stories in the news, I don't think I could give them extra credence just because of the badge. I heard one just this weekend that makes my head spin:

A man was brought to this country as a child. He was made a legal immigrant. As an adult, he was charged with murder, and the immigration status was revoked. He was convicted on evidence from a dirty cop, and served 23 years. He has now been exonerated and set free. But when he left the prison, ICE picked him up and he is detained, possibly facing deportation. All because of a dirty cop. Apparently there are 10 people who have been set free because of this cop.

One bad apple, etc etc.

People lie, and cops are people. No way would I give the benefit of the doubt to an officer.

I know 7 cops and would trust 4 of them. Of the 3 untrustworthy ones, i wonder how one of them even has a job.

There was a time when I would have stood behind 99 percent of them.

I would proudly serve in a jury if selected. I have only once been called for jury duty and sat through 3 boring days waiting to be paneled. I wasn’t selected the first day (conflict of interest in an auto accident because of my insurance carrier). Not selected the second day for some such reason. Third day was selection for a murder trial. I was stil in the running around mid-day and though I might mke the cut. I will say here that I am an engineer and so was one other person I got to know on the jury list. Neither of us were selected and were sent home that day. I have always heard lawyers don’t usually select engineers as jurors. Now I believe it. I guess because we’re too analytical or see things as either black or white or something.

There was a time when a LEO’s word meant something. Today is a different day and time. There are still some great people, but some who shouldn’t be there too.

I've only been called twice. The first time they selected the jury before they got to me. The second time during selection, for a murder trial, i got emotional, burst out in tears, made a fool of myself and was dismissed. I hope to never be called again.

I got called once, for a doctor's trial. I think it had to do with medicare fraud and I seem to recall his nurses turned him in. When they asked if any of us were nurses, I knew I wouldn't be chosen.

I am surprised that so many of you have only been called just a few times in your lives. It's a yearly occurrence here or pretty close. Many times we don't have to go in. We have to call at a certain time each day to see if we have to show up.