Jury Duty | San Jose Ca

Slowly, the tide turns. Someone changes their mind. Another juror concedes a point. Finally, the foreperson counts the hands: 12-0. You have a verdict.

Then begins voir dire , the jury selection process. The judge asks preliminary questions. The two attorneys—one in a crisp suit, one more casual—take turns asking questions. "Have you or a family member been in a car accident?" "Do you work for an insurance company?" "Can you be fair and impartial even if you don't like one side's lawyer?" jury duty san jose ca

You follow the signs to the Jury Assembly Room on the first floor. It’s a cavernous space, filled with rows of cushioned chairs facing a large video screen. The vibe is a mix of a DMV waiting area and a high school homeroom. You check in at the counter, scan your summons barcode, and are handed a clipboard with a juror badge and a questionnaire. Slowly, the tide turns

When the attorney for the defense looks at you and says, "No questions, your honor," and the judge says, "Juror number 24 will take seat number three in the box," your fate is sealed. You are Juror No. 7. Finally, the foreperson counts the hands: 12-0