Jury Duty - Mini TR
I received the summons in the mail to appear on this day for Jury Duty, instead of pushing it off I figured it would be a perfect time to go, with the excuse that I wouldn't be able to stay long on a case because of the upcoming Jewish holidays - simple. Note for first timers, on the Jury summons there will be 2 address there, the one on Jay street is where you go to appear for Jury Duty, the other one is just if you want to get out of it, such as medical issue or to reschedule a second time in person.
Arrived there at 8:15 in the morning, says you must be there by 8:30, though they were running everything "heimish" style and nothing started until about 9:15. In the beginning they show a video which makes the experience look very interesting and exciting to actually be able to sit in on a case. At this point after the video the list of people that are exempted are said, such as if you were ever convicted, if you are a caregiver, if you have a medical issue, if you don't speak english etc.. Then from the remaining people in the room all the papers (summons part A & D along with the info card to fill out when you arrive) are collected. At about 10-10:30 they start calling peoples name at random to go upstairs to the courtroom and hear what will be the case, my name wasn't called and so there was a long long waiting time just sitting there in the room. At 12:45, my name was still not called, and lunch break was announced that will go on till 2pm, at which time everyone must return. - Bring lunch and snacks with you, nothing really kosher in the area, and the only kosher snack in the vending machine was popcorners. Finally at about 3:30 the remaining 100 of us in the room were told that they will not need any more jurors, to which the room went crazy with a huge round of applause!!! - We were given papers that said that we appeared and are not required to come again for 8 years, in addition either your employer or the jury must pay you $40 for going to JD.
So as a reminder, besides for what they tell you to bring, like the summons and a pen. Make sure to bring a lunch or two, snacks, drink - no glass, good reading material or entertainment with headphones. Good luck.