Survival Guide to Jury Duty

It happens to everybody as long as you are 18 or older and a legal U.S. Citizen. However, for being an allowed right, most people dread it. No, this is not about voting for two unqualified presidential candidates.

This is jury duty. If it had a reality show it would be called “This is my Duty” or “Call of Duty: It’s Gonna Happen One Way or Another.” Since all of us in school are over 18 – except those really young freshman – and legal citizens, jury duty will be something we have to attend. It is like that 8 a.m. class on Monday we have, we know we have to go to make it in the world…but do we really have to?

Jury duty can be seen in two ways. The first scenario is, “It’s a blessing. We have a say and I am glad my opinion counts.” The second scenario is, “This is the worst thing in the world, the devil made this to prep sinners for hell.” No matter how you look at it, there will come a time when your county will call upon you to help the judicial system.

Since it is inevitable, here is how you can react and prep for when the letter is sent to you:
First, let your groan out. Even if you wanted to do this, groan as if your inner spirit animal is Eeyore. Once you have accepted it, embrace it. This is a right given to the people. Americans nowadays already complain about how our rights are being violated or taken away. So go ahead and oblige in your civil right. Also, do not be scared. Just because this is a public place does not mean it smells like a public bathroom. Courtrooms can be inviting, they have warm lights, wood paneling, padded seats and sometimes even air conditioning. You can even make friends, though this is only advantageous if you are overly friendly.

Prepping for jury duty is somewhat like getting ready for prom. You have to think about what you are going to wear, you hope that people will let you be you and not ask you dumb questions, and your parents will want to take a picture before you leave.

So tip 1, dressing like a hobo will not get you off the jury. If anything it will increase your chances of getting on the jury because it looks as if you have no place to be.

Tip 2, do not act better than everybody else there. This is what I call annoying college student syndrome. Just because you are a college student does not mean you are better than anybody. You are only an undergrad, so get over yourself.

Tip 3, stay calm and relaxed. If you look crazy and all hyped up, it will be uncomfortable for everyone. Your muscles will start to cramp, the other possible jurors will be nervous around you, and the judge will think you are constipated.

Tip 4, do not prep a sob story; tell the truth. Telling stories like, “I am in grieving because my dog died,” yet withholding that your dog died 10 years ago or, “I have an appointment that I cannot reschedule,” but the appointment is with your T.V. because you want to watch the new “Duck Dynasty” episode is not the solution.
Tip 5, the court is very understanding toward college students. They will not want you to miss class, so they tend to work with students and their schedule. So if you attend a university, like Vanguard University, you should be just fine.

Following these tips will help you ease in with the judicial system. The court can do something as a real place and not just be a meeting place for Lindsay Lohan and Chris Brown.