What No One Wants To Find In the Mailbox

I reached into the mailbox Tuesday afternoon and found one of the items most people dread.

The jury duty summons.

Immediately, a multitude of thoughts ran through my head. How long is it for? I have to tell the boss! Who is going to cover my work while I'm gone? What if it's a long trial? Can I get a deferral or even excused?

But, upon further examination, the summons originated from Superior Court in Warren County, N.J., where I haven't lived since Dec. 2009. Now that's the perfect excuse!

I hastily filled out the form and sent it back, chuckling at the Garden State's poor record of address upkeep.

Case dismissed.

What is it about jury duty that strikes fear in the hearts of citizens? It is our civic duty as citizens to serve jury duty, despite the inconvenience its causes to our employers and the disruption of our daily lives.

Maybe it's the fact that the courthouse and courtroom are intimidating places. One needs to go through airport-like security just to enter, complete with armed police.

The courtroom itself is intimidating. The judge, the court officers, the lawyers. And, if your number is called, you're likely to be grilled by an attorney on your life's dossier.

Who are you? How old are you? Where do you work? Where do you live? Are you married? Do you have children? Etc., etc., etc.

Pretty intrusive questions. And, as the final insult, if the lawyers don't like the looks of you or your answers, it's back to the jury pool room for you for more hours of reading and watching bad daytime television.

Judge Judy, it ain't.

I haven't served jury duty since 1987 in New Jersey, so I know I'm overdue. I'm sure I've now placed myself on Lehigh County's radar now.

My wife received a federal jury summons twice in two years, but ultimately didn't have to make the trek to Philadelphia for that duty, much to her relief.

What is it about jury duty? Are you intimidated by jury duty or do you actually want to serve? Have you had a jury duty experience you'd like to share? Tell us in the comments.