The instructions read 1) no outside food or drinks (no drinks will be a problem for me). 2) No phone (understandable), or phone turned all the way off and locked in some kind of security pouch, may as well just leave it in the car. 3) No electronics of any kind including an e-reader.
I know I’m there to do my civic duty. I also know there is a lot of downtime. And I know my ability to sit quietly and pay attention is a finite resource. What is allowed (knowing my mileage may vary)?
- paperback book?
- paper sudoku book?
- I crochet, could I bring a SMALL project?
- I need caffeine to not suffer withdrawal headaches but don’t drink coffee, so could I bring a water additive that’s caffinated? Are all outside liquids banned? My fave is a small squeeze bottle, but I can get some powder packs. (I have ADHD, am successfully medicated, but court would still be challenging. Not only do I need help with alertness, but my meds cause dry mouth, so I always have something I carry with me)
- On that note, can I bring my own empty water bottle?
Sounds like your car keys are allowed
I recently went to jury selection, was excused twice. Probably because I raised my hand when they asked “has anyone been a victim of reckless driving” and the case was about a DUI and reckless driving. The other involved DNA evidence and they struck all of the people who worked in STEM.
Anyway, the security did NOT let me bring in my fountain pen, asked me if it was a pen gun lol… Ball point and pencils were fine. I think crochet needles won’t be allowed… Vapes and zyns were allowed. They didn’t seem to care about food or liquids at the courthouse I went to.
You’ll be spending most of your time in the waiting rooms, unless you’re picked for a trial.
Drinks and food were up to the judge, but the 2 justices I reported to basically said “if you have drinks, make sure they’re covered, otherwise be careful and don’t spill”. Boiled down to “don’t make a mess”.
They told us to turn phones off, but a lot of folks did not.
Books and sudoku should be fine. Just try to bring an empty bottle you’re okay with tossing if needed. There will likely be vending machines inside too.
The other involved DNA evidence and they struck all of the people who worked in STEM.
Why’s that?
They don’t actually tell you why.
I presume it’s because people in stem are more likely to have strong opinions about statistics, validity of tests or science, that sort of thing. Or, they’ll sound more competent when discussing with other jurors.
I also think both sides wanted to appeal to emotions, and have their expert witnesses be the technical authorities.
I would ask your local court. Express your concerns about your condition.
As someone with hypoglycemia (think diabetes Type II Light), there’s no way I could do any kind of jury duty without my snack bag.
And I’m not eating or drinking whatever garbage they decide to provide. Sorry, I’ve found what works for me. And my fellow jurors you won’t like me when my blood sugar drops - my ability to reason goes right out the window.
This is solid advice. Go to the court and ask ahead of time. when my blood sugar gets out of whack. I tend to slow way down and then just pass out.
It seems the rules are different for me than for you. I brought my backpack with my laptop. I did work during breaks. Or used my phone. I just made sure all electronics were off when in the court room. And I’m pretty sure I brought my water bottle too. The one thing that the security did enforce was my pepper spray, which I had to remove and hide in a bush outside. I’m not sure if that helps at all.
One thing you can do is to leave your laptop/things in the car. You can leave the building during breaks and then just come back into the building before the session restarts. That was what most of the jury did during breaks during my time
I had a pocket knife that they held for me at the security checkpoint, but otherwise I was like you and had my backpack and numerous electronics.
I did not get picked for a trial though.
Was that US or State court?
State, I think?
OP said it’s US District court, and I think the federal courts tend to be stricter. It might vary from district to district, not sure about that.
Is gum allowed? Caffeine gum?
No coffee allowed is cruel
Oh I’m expecting coffee will be offered inside. However, coffee and me don’t get along. Even I would think no coffee is cruel to a bunch of people corralled in a room together. I do love tea, but the caffeine content will not resolve a headache if it starts.
I’ve tried to serve like three different times but didn’t get there but now I’m permanently excuses which is fun.
I was excused before my husband, who is the reason I’m excused lmfao
When I served, they said no phones but did check them at the front desk. If you drive probably leaving it in your car is better.
For sure the books are ok. The crochet hooks probably depend on what security feels like that day. Maybe ask first, or skip it during selection. If you are seated you can ask them on the way out if you can bring them in for the actual trial.
I brought a paperback book of puzzles. One of my fellow jurors brought her cross stitch project.
