Selective Service: Jury Duty

Jury duty is a chore, but I'm not sure being swept up off the streets in a citizen dragnet is what most complainers had in mind. To be sure, jury duty is a civic duty, a small price to pay for living in a civilized, democratic society. But I'd like to think that presupposes to advanced notice (like a summons in the mail) to allow prospective jurors to plan their days around the disruption to their normal daily routine. Some judges have a different idea, conscripting citizens off the streets for jury duty when the jury rolls just can't keep pace with courtroom demand for fresh bodies.

I believe everyone has an obligation to serve, but I suspect snatching people off the streets to serve on a jury is going to debase juries, stocking them full of disgruntled people who are going to be looking for a speedy way to return to their posts rather than spend their time as conscientious jurors listening attentively to a trial. Well, I suppose that much won't change.

And the winner is...

It looks like 2007 was another banner year for New Orleans, at least as far as crime statistics. Once again, the Big Easy looks to take the murder capital crown. It is unfortunate that the violence overshadows many positives for a city on the rebound. Hopefully 2008 will be a safer year as the City's economy continues to prosper.