I had jury duty yesterday along with about 300-400 other people. As the courts restart, a few people have noted that lots of people are getting called in, but yesterday was a whole lot more people than I have ever seen called. It all happens at the San Mateo Event Center and uses the Jockey Club as the entry point. The photos below don't capture even half of the crowd. For the size of the group and the Covid state we are in, it was pretty well run. When we each were asked if we could be available for a six-day trial, I figured we were in for a long day.
The last time I was called, it was an full-day affair just to seat a two-day jury and this looked like it could be several days. But two and a half hours in, just as the first group of us were being told to turn off our phones and remove any hats to enter, we were all excused. Now I know why as described here. Taking the plea was my guess at the time. If you get called soon, be sure to follow the instructions about dressing in layers, bring snacks and water, avoid 25th Ave eastbound getting there (it's closed) and make sure your phone is fully charged. The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they do turn. I just wonder if there isn't a more efficient way that wouldn't violate the randomness of the process.
Thank you for the heads up Joe. I am called for jury duty next week at that location.
Posted by: Winnie | March 19, 2021 at 08:48 PM
Great info. I had jury duty 2 months ago. I waited in line for 60 minutes. When I got to the front of the line, I was asked if I can attend a 2 week trial. I said 'no' and the person said I was going to be deferred for 60 days. I just wasted 60 minutes and the headache of standing in line in the cold for a 30 second question. This is why no one wants shows up for jury duty.
Posted by: dotherightthing | March 22, 2021 at 10:59 AM
That is one of several ideas for improvements that one can imagine, dotherightthing. If the baby killer trial was expected to take six days, I can't imagine what would take two weeks......must be something more commercial or technical in nature.
Posted by: Joe | March 22, 2021 at 07:03 PM
I also was called for jury duty today and was interested to see how the process would be conducted in The Age of Covid. I arrived early and people were lining up, similar to the photo Joe posted above. I would estimate that at least 100 people were called. At the designated time — 8:30 am — we were let in to the building and we were quickly "processed" by one of three clerks who took our summons and asked whether we available for a two-week trial. It would appear that most people must have answered yes, as the next step was to exit the building, go through a metal detector and sit in an outside courtyard under a circus tent. Most people — but not all — had a desk to sit at that was spaced roughly six feet away from the next. We sat there until almost ten o'clock (90 minutes!) and then about two-thirds of the group (I would estimate 50-60) were called inside. The remainder of us continued to sit outside and in about 15 more minutes we were informed that the judge said the rest of us could be dismissed. My takeaways: It was pretty Covid-safe (everyone had masks and we were distanced and outside). It was freezing and I was chilled to the bone by the time I got home. Joe had warned above to wear warm clothes but most people (me?) don't realize how cold low 50s can be when under a circus tent with a wind and no sun. I did wear boots and a warm jacket but wished I had brought a hat and gloves. Bottom line: dress as it you are going skiing and do not intend to make many visits to the lodge. Despite my cold body, I left with a warm heart: I always dread jury duty, but I left feeling inspired by seeing 90 of my neighbors and fellow county residents of all ages, races and economic levels show up to do "their duty" and ensure that an accused gets a trial by a jury of peers. Stirs the patriotic in me and makes me glad and proud we have a country governed by the rule of law.
Posted by: Joanne G. | March 22, 2021 at 08:02 PM