I got up early and headed to Clayton this morning. I parked in the designated parking garage and then walked to the courthouse. I inadvertently first went to the wrong building and only discovered this after going through security. I then had to go back outside again, cross the street and enter the correct building. This building’s security line was much longer, with lots of lawyers in line. Eventually, I got in. Getting to the jury room, I checked in and waited, and waited, and waited. Three juries were called. Usually with about eighty people for twelve spots. After those three juries left the pool was pretty empty. Counting heads, I figured that there were not enough people left for another trial. Sure enough, a few minutes later we left behinds were dismissed. So, after only three hours I headed home, done for the day, done for the week, just done.

Abraham Lincoln is frequently quoted as saying, “The greatest service of citizenship is jury duty”. This phrase highlights the essential role citizens play in upholding the justice system and the Constitution, framing jury service as a vital civic responsibility rather than just a burden.