When I’m in a courtroom for jury duty, I feel comfortable.
Which is strange because when I was practicing law back in the late-80s and 90s, I never felt comfortable. I had all the right credentials “ good school, big firm “ and I looked the part (white, male, nice suit, short hair). Even so, I was never comfortable appearing or arguing in front of a judge.
But these days, when I go into a courtroom with a group of other potential jurors, I feel as though I belong. I speak the language, I’m fluent in the idioms and understand the customs. I know that as soon as I start answering questions about my education, the attorneys and the judge will recognize me as one of them. It’s like I’m part of the club. The In Crowd.
I have no idea if they feel that way, the attorneys and the judge, the marshall, or the reporter. I project that acceptance onto them. And I am not sure if it’s because I am one of them or for some other reason, but I am never selected for a jury. So I get to enjoy the comfort of belonging without ever having to stay too long. So all in all, it’s kind of a pleasant reminder of life I could have led, but chose not to follow.
