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At the end of jury selection today, a prospective juror raised her hand and said, "I've observed something going on this morning that I'd like to talk privately with the judge and the lawyers about it."
That, my friends, is a Stop Down Moment.
As the rest of all the potential jurors were excused, I spoke briefly with Assistant County Attorney Thomas Aaberg about what it could possibly be. "Other than your fly being open, I'm not sure," he said. That, of course, was a joke that was even funnier when I impulsively glanced down at my groin area. All was secure.
Once in front of the judge, the potential juror (who was as sweet and honest as the day is long - as well as a former out-of-county prosecution employee) said that she felt that I had mischaracterized the prosecution and put them at a disadvantage. What had I done? I had stressed that the prosecution was, in fact, "the government", and since so many people thought negatively of the government, the rest of the jury panel had probably made the prosecution's job more difficult.
That was a new one for me. I cannot thank her enough for being honest and expressing her opinion (By the way, I used one of my free three strikes to make sure she didn't end up on the jury - I was fairly sure she hated me.) But I think she had a hard time understanding that even though County Attorney Greg Lowery is a "good ol' Paradise boy", he is, in fact, The State Of Texas when he prosecutes someone for an alleged crime. Simply put, when he goes to work, he becomes "The Government."
Sidenote #1: Everyone at the courthouse jokes about how I drop the "n" when I pronounce "government".
Sidenote #2: The picture is from my jury selection Powerpoint presentation.
9 comments:
Just a thot: most all of Texas government is controlled by Republican at every level. Republicans have long attempted to be identified as the party of small, less intrusive government. Why then, do so many Texas so abhor the "government" that is controlled by their elected and appointed Republican candidates?
Go BIG BEAR. you're my hero
Absolutely true, the prosecution is always "The State", or "The Government", whats nice is the inflection when it is spit out like a bad taste in front of a jury. kudos to the lady for pointing out why its done, however...there is nothing wrong with pointing out the other side has almost limitless resources when prosecuting a crime, "The State" is spending your money and has the resources of every law enforcement body in the country to process evidence if they need it. Pretty hard to match that $ for $ if your just an average defendant. Even having a case dismissed or being acquited costs $$$. OJ had they last fair trial in this country he could match them $ for $. It's the Governments burden to prove to a jury the defendant is guilty, just be glad you live in a place where the government isn't proving your guilt to itself. Keep spitting it out Barry, and for all you potential jurors, if the folks doing "The Government" work deserve the nasty title, find some that don't with your vote.
All attorneys deserve the nasty title.
Greg may be the State Of Texas but you are the WORLD to me.
Ok, I must be off to my Banjo lesson now.
Thanks for posting. I was a potential juror and wondered what she could have possibly observed that was wrong.
Well of course, Barry. It's "the gubmint." Your use of the "v" is what really draws their attention.
I wish I was still around to see the good ole Paradise and Bridgeport boys go head to head in court.
Greg is an IDIOT!
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