[Caursedus]

I'm an attorney, so in the unlikely event that my number is drawn to sit in the jury box, someone will bounce me out to avoid having the danger of "undue influence" in the deliberations.

Our jury system in the U.S. was inspired by the idea that citizens are more trustworthy to resolve criminal cases then government employees. Generally speaking, this is true, but there is a problem because the entire system depends on having quality advocates for both sides. In most cases, defendants cannot afford good attorneys who will spend enough time on their case to win it. Sometimes they do, of course, because defense attorneys tend to be very dedicated. But too often the attorneys' case loads prevent them from doing their best. On the other hand, celebrity defendants like OJ Simpson and Michael Jackson can afford very slick attorneys who play the prosecutors for fools. So in the end, money turns out to be too important.

One of my professors who worked in the field for a long time told us in no uncertain terms that the defendant's best chance of getting a sympathetic hearing in the criminal justice system is with the jury. I have no reason to doubt her.

As for those who do not want to serve, yes, it's true, jury duty doesn't pay. But manipulating the system to avoid it, leaving the dirty work to others, shows a lack of commitment to democracy.