· Jury Duty Excuses · I used to think that being on a jury would be a neat experience. But once I was hired as a deputy sheriff, I knew there was zero chance of that ever happening. Any defense attorney who allowed a law enforcement officer to be selected as a juror would have to be a candidate for “Worst Attorney of the Year.” On the other hand, if I was asked if I could be open-minded in a trial, and not be biased against the accused, I believe I would (at least consciously) be fair and … [Read more...] about Voir Dire
Archives for December 2017
Drug Test
· Have You Ever Been Drug Tested? · I remember my first drug test in a bathroom when I was required to pee in a container. Even though I'd been a county employee forever, it still caught me by surprise. I recall starting my patrol car, keying the mic, and advising dispatch I was "10-8," meaning that I was in service. Seconds later, my supervisor called me on my phone: "Report to the fifth floor of the courthouse at 8:15 a.m. for a drug test." Forty-five minutes later, for the first … [Read more...] about Drug Test
Stir Up Sunday
· Creole Christmas Cake · In late November my friend in Winchester, England, told me about Stir Up Sunday. “It’s sort of a Christian festival or at least it’s connected with Christmas," he told me. “It’s always the last Sunday before the start of Advent and the basic idea is that the whole family get together to help bake a Christmas cake or pudding. Each person has to help stir the mix and then at Christmas they all eat what they made.” “Nice,” I commented. “Will Emmie and … [Read more...] about Stir Up Sunday
Finding A Story
· Digging Deeper · A friend and her siblings were making arrangements for their mother's funeral. Mother had insisted in her dying days that her ex-husband be prevented from attending her last goodbye. I was asked: "What can we do if he shows up at the church or the cemetery? Can we kick him out? Should we call the police? We told the minister what Mom wanted, but he said his job was to exclude no one and to welcome everyone." I answered her inquiry the best I could. Later, I thought … [Read more...] about Finding A Story