I was surprised to receive a text message a couple of days later from my jury friend, Judy. She attached a newspaper clipping from the Star Advertiser. I'd completely missed seeing it.
There it was.
Judy explained that when all the selected jurors arrived the following morning, they were directed to wait in a room while negotiations were going on between the lawyers.
A plea deal was worked out after 3 hours.
The defendant had pleaded guilty to receive a lesser sentence.
Judy said they were served some delicious scones while they waited.
When everything was resolved, the jurors were called back to the courtroom where Judge Kobayashi thanked each juror for being involved citizens.
Judy complimented the judge on her fairness and compassion.
Judge Kobayashi said she'd been appointed by President Obama during his first term. I had to smile for this was one more evidence that President Obama chose judges that we could all be proud of and be confident in her ability to uphold our rights as citizens.
I wonder what kind of judges are being appointed now.
POSTSCRIPT:
I got the following message from Judy a couple of days ago.
"I was really glad when the judge called us back to the courtroom after a long wait in the jurors’ room. The defendant had pleaded guilty. It spared us from viewing x-rated evidence. Some of the jurors didn’t want to go back to work but I was happy to go home so I could get ready to visit family in Washington and to enjoy the autumn leaves!
Judy"
There it was.
Judy explained that when all the selected jurors arrived the following morning, they were directed to wait in a room while negotiations were going on between the lawyers.
A plea deal was worked out after 3 hours.
The defendant had pleaded guilty to receive a lesser sentence.
Judy said they were served some delicious scones while they waited.
When everything was resolved, the jurors were called back to the courtroom where Judge Kobayashi thanked each juror for being involved citizens.
Judy complimented the judge on her fairness and compassion.
Judge Kobayashi said she'd been appointed by President Obama during his first term. I had to smile for this was one more evidence that President Obama chose judges that we could all be proud of and be confident in her ability to uphold our rights as citizens.
I wonder what kind of judges are being appointed now.
POSTSCRIPT:
I got the following message from Judy a couple of days ago.
"I was really glad when the judge called us back to the courtroom after a long wait in the jurors’ room. The defendant had pleaded guilty. It spared us from viewing x-rated evidence. Some of the jurors didn’t want to go back to work but I was happy to go home so I could get ready to visit family in Washington and to enjoy the autumn leaves!
Judy"
I have some concerns myself about the judges being appointed nowadays.
ReplyDeleteIt's rather interesting, the process.
ReplyDeleteIn Canada jurors cannot reveal any of the details! I know I reviewed a book by an American. It was the Zimmerman trial.
The judges now being appointed have come through with some nasty verdicts it seems. I donate to ACLU and their newsletter is very sad and scary.
ReplyDeleteGlad you didn't have to juror such a trial.
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of a sad world we live in.
ReplyDeletei am guessing the judges being appointed right now can easily be bought.
ReplyDeleteGlad it didn't go to trial and the jurors didn't have to view the evidence. That would be hard to take. What a monster he is. Surprised that child pornography was the only charge but that is what plea bargaining does. It was good of your new friend to let you know what happened.
ReplyDeleteUsually they ask if you would be offended by the type of trial-rape, pornography etc...then you can asked to be excused. Interesting. After the jury I was on, I read in newspaper that the rapist was also a bank robber, etc but that info wasn't available to us as jurors in making a decision-it was he said, she said...
ReplyDeleteOh Lord, rape & drugs!
ReplyDeleteQuite a case you got handed with, even if it didn't really amount to any real work to be done.
ReplyDeleteI think the judges being appointed now in the USA are strong choices who follow our Constitution and our Bill of Rights.
ReplyDeleteIt is disturbing the judged being appointed now, yes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creep. I wonder now about that 14 year old runaway. She was already an endangered youth who took wrong turns. Hopefully she is back home or somewhere safe and nurturing.
ReplyDeleteOne of the times I was called for jury duty , the guy made a plea deal.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that man will be locked up at least for a few years. I hope the victim id receiving help. Possession of pornography seems the s least of what he could be charged with. Glad you were all spared the gritty details.
ReplyDeleteGlad it's over for everyone. I too would have been grateful to avoid viewing the evidence.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, I received a summons this week.
ReplyDeleteI am glad it all worked out and the jurors didn't need to view the evidence. It gives me the creeps that this crime is on the rise!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the results.
ReplyDeleteKay -- Excellent reporting on jury duty! I am so impressed with your memory and your gift in creative writing with photos. I enjoyed your third jury duty post (as well as first and second) and thank you for mentioning me in your post. I feel honored.
ReplyDeleteJudy
And thank you, Judy for sending me the clipping because I totally missed it in the Star Advertiser. Actually, my memory is quite faulty these days. I have to take notes, which I did.
DeleteVery nice that the judge took care of you all so well. Judy sounds like a nice gal to keep you updated. Thanks for being willing to serve. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteJudy is really a very kind and friendly person. It was great that we could support each other through that day. The whole day was a real learning experience.
Delete