This deserves a longer entry, but here's the short version.

What I learned (or was reminded of) at Jury Duty

1. I am smart (not genius, but smart)- AKA there are people in this world with LOTS less smarts than me.

2. Retired part-time judges like to talk, A LOT, and talk and talk and talk. Perhaps a generalization.

3. Having served on two juries makes me an expert in the eyes of most of my fellow jurors who've never served on a case before.

4. The prosecutor sits closer to the jury because he has the burden of proof and must be HEARD by the jury.

5. Some people are not very nice-when dealing with other people who are less fortunate than themselves.

6. You have to sign in to even enter the DWP building. They don't stop you, but you have to sign in.

7. The judge had some uncles who, "couldn't pass a bottle or a skirt without checking it out."

8. The court reporter needs words not gestures.

9. Judges allow real life experiences to affect how they act in the courtroom.

10. Even if you are related to the Mayor of Culver City, in the 1930's you still do time at juvie for shooting the mayor in the butt with a bb gun.