2011 Jury Duty

The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court is located in the heart of Central Florida and is one of in the state. Serving Orange and Osceola counties, the Ninth Circuit covers over 2,000 square miles and serves more than 1.3 million residents, making it one of the largest circuits in Florida. There are currently 65 judges serving in the Ninth Circuit. On average, the circuit receives over 590,000 new cases each year.  I guess this is why I have been called twice since living here and Sally has been called once.



My first visit to the Court in 2009 was highlighted by my Gerber Squirt being confiscated off my key chain as a weapon. The officer in the security line raised his voice and demanded that I relinquish my weapon. He alerted other officers around him that he found a weapon. At the time my keys were in my briefcase which was now exiting the X-ray machine.

    The one and only blade measures 1.6 inches. So in an enclosed locked can my $25 tool went. Today the security measures have increased two fold. Not only do laptops go into a separate bin but all metal items had to be removed from my laptop bag and put into a separate bowl.  My belt and watch were removed and I still set off the Magnetron.  After a thorough pat down by a female officer I was allowed to gather my belongings and redress.  Once you get past security the staff in the jury room do everything possible to make you comfortable.  A staff member level sets expectations by giving multiple instructions and a couple of videos.  It was mentioned that the level of security is for everyone's protection.  Free WiFi in the waiting room is a major bonus!

Four sets of jurors were picked and and there were just a few left when at 11AM the remainder were called up to courtroom 7A.  We were introduced to the court and the judge gave a 15 minute dissertation to further educate us. The case we were presented with was a federal felony case for lewd and lascivious behavior.  Three families were impacted.  I then realized why the courthouse has such strong security.

The jurors were then asked if there would be hardship if the case ran through Friday.  Friday I was to leave on a youth ski trip as one of three drivers, the judge heard me explain my hardship and excused me and one other who had already purchased airline tickets.