I didn't follow this case at all except for what I saw on the cover of
People Magazine at the store.
However, because of that I was surprised to hear she got off. After reading a bit, I'm less surprised.
I don't know how many of you have been on a jury, especially in a more complicated case. If you haven't, it is hard to fully understand what the jury goes through. I was jury foreman for a sexual assault case several years ago. It was both a sad and fascinating experience. It was not fun to listen to all the details of the case. But it was really fascinating to be a part of a jury in action and look at all the different ways the other jurors heard and understood the evidence that was presented. It wasn't exactly
12 Angry Men, but still an interesting process. We did find the man guilty.
After the trial was over I was waiting for my husband to pick me up. Both the prosecutor and the defense attorney came out of the courthouse and struck up a conversation with me. We had a very interesting conversation about the case, why we had convicted, etc. It was interesting to hear their questions and see their reactions about the different aspects.
Re: getting emotionally involved in cases... It was one of the most emotionally draining and stressful things I've ever done. I think I cried most of the rest of the day and off and on for several days. A large part of it was reflecting on the fact that there but for the grace of God go I and how blessed I am to have the life I do.
That said, after that experience I will never allow myself to be seated on a jury in that kind of case again. If I ever reach the
voir dire stage again, I'll flat out tell the attorneys that I've done my duty to my country once and won't be doing it again.