Jury Doodles



Chris Roth served on a jury for a civil case that lasted for seven days. The case was interesting (involving a stripper), but seven days in a jury box is still a long time. Jurors were given notebooks to jot down important things, so Roth drew pictures. Lots of them, which you can see at his blog. Link

I had jury duty over a decade ago. While I was in the jury box, the judge specifically told us NOT to take notes of any kind. He was very serious about this. I thought it was kinda strange at the time, but now I really think it was weird. Anyone else have this happen? Was he allowed to do that?
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Rumson,
I bet the judge wanted the jury to rely on the actual court transcript rather than their notes which would not be a part of the official record in case there was ever an appeal. I wonder if the case you were on was a retrial where the defense attorney got a prior conviction appealed due to the lack of access to juror notes.

As for you name, it reminds me of "Paint Your Wagon". Lee Marvin played Ben Rumson. One of his best characters.
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This person may have not gotten a fair trial because of Mr. Roth's distracted behavior. It may be possible that a defense lawer may request a mistrial if Mr. Roth was held in contempt. Such civic duties should require more responsible behavior.
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AMercer,
It wasn't a retrial, as far as I know.
As far as my name, a friend of mine told me years ago that I look like a Rumson. Still not completely sure what he meant, but I liked Paint Your Wagon enough to gladly adopt it as a nickname. Glad you recognized the reference.
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@dilligaf69

If we took that into consideration we might as well dismantle the whole system. What if the juror felt that the result of the trial depended on consulting astrology or tarot card reading and made their decision based on that? What if they based it on whichever lawyer was the better smooth talker? At least this guy was forward and honest with how he felt about the case, which is a lot more you can ask for from some jurors.
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@Rumson: I'm a jury duty lottery winner. Called up 7 times and counting... On the one case I was actually chosen for (a civil case) we were ordered NOT to take notes as well. I don't know why and I hated that. I concentrate better on long-winded speaking when I can jot down notes. If I can't, my mind tends to wander and it was so hard to keep focused those 5 days I sat on the jury. I've often wondered why sometimes you can take notes and sometimes you can't.
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