Criminal Justice

Jury Selection Games

|

One of the most entertaining parts of voir dire at jury duty is the way some people either try to get on or off the jury. Retires and blue collar union and state folks like jury duty.

While juror numbers are picked at random there many things a potential juror can say to be instantly disqualified and many ways to explain away potential disqualifiers.

My number was never called but I spent two days listening to people’s excuses and figuring out the best disqualifications – usually showing knowledge about the case’s subject matter, personal emotional experiences, and suggesting that your blatantly prejudicial towards one side.

On the other side, there was folks who had a way to explain away anything. Those folks who were determined to get on the jury usually did. Apparently if people express and interest and profess a view that they are non-biased get on, despite mitigating factors.

If you haven’t served on a jury (actually served, not just called) within 6 years , you can request to serve on a jury by calling the commissioner of jurors. Some seniors do this — because if your called in and even if you don’t serve, you can get $40-80 for the time you sit waiting to be interviewed.

More on NYS Jury laws. http://www.nyjuror.gov/EEInfo_Laws.shtml

Beyond Ferguson, police across US get low marks on fairness

|

Beyond Ferguson, police across US get low marks on fairness - CSMonitor.com

I think part of the solution may be to get away from public policing, in favor of increased access to civil courts for poor people. Make it easier for injured parties to sue, and focus on receiving monetary compensation for losses rather than revenge and punishment. If somebody steals your television, they should pay to buy you a new television plus your loss in the form of stress and lost time. If somebody intentionally breaks your leg, not only should be compensated for the medical bills but also the stress, pain, and loss time.

While it is true many criminals are poor, many are not, and many should being paying for the damages they cause, rather than simply locking them up. Many given the ability to pay for their damages, could leave everybody better off.