tamarjacobson

In the end the facts and evidence spoke for themselves and almost unanimously (in civil cases we needed 10 out of the 12 votes) we became objective after all.

After six days of hearing testimony our deliberations as a jury took about an hour and a half and the verdict was cast. As I walked away from City Hall I felt a twinge of melancholy bidding the other jurors farewell. I ambled slowly and thoughtfully towards my train leaving behind the work we had done together as a group of random individuals, plucked from the street, from different walks of life, professions, cultures, colors, ages, education levels, SES, genders, shapes and sizes.

It occurred to me that democracy in the United States is a beautiful thing. Indeed, it was an awesome feeling having participated in justice being done.

I wandered into my home and headed straight for the garden. Laying down my bag I reached for the hose and watered the flowers. Molly and Ada sat staring at me, sun shining all around. "I was a juror for six days," I thought to myself. During that time we were really important. In fact I think I will miss Mark, our Court Marshall, crying, "All rise as the jury enters the court!" Just as I will miss the judge’s gentle, firm and respectful demeanor, and sharing cough drops with Juror #2 who sat to my right each day from nine to five.

As I write this note I think to myself, "Citizen Tamarika …" And, well, yes … I am proud … really proud.