December 6, 2004
Cause of Mental Breakdown: NYC Jury Duty
Gothamist is all about civic duty, but given how precarious our mental state can be, we're wondering if we'll need to change our medication when we go in for jury duty: Last week, a mistrial was called because the one juror who wanted to acquit the murder defendant had a nervous breakdown. The trial had received a bit of coverage, because Trevor Frederick is accused of almost killing his ex-girlfriend with a knife (her spine was almost severed) as well as "driving" his ex's date "out of [an Upper West Side dorm room] window to his death." When the juror did not show up for deliberation, the judge called her at home; she told the judge she had hives on her feet, ultimately hanging up on the judge when he directed her to return for deliberations. Then the juror's doctor got involved:
The doctor told the judge that not even drugs and a day of rest would get the jumpy juror back in the deliberations room..."The level of medication necessary to make her come back and even be able to face the courtroom . . . would be disabling."Frederick will probably be retried later on.
Learn more about being a juror at NY Juror. Recently, NYC celebrated "Juror Appreciation Day" with celebrities who have been jurors; Dr. Ruth told the press, "Jury duty is good way to meet men and women, a partner," while Conan O'Brien, who has just waited but was never called to serve on a jury, said, "Bring a big book. It's Russian literature time."
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I was following this particular case that ended in a mistrial, and I think it's a terrible thing that this particular case has to go back to trial. Shame on this particular juror for pulling such an act. Given the circumstances and emotions involved, this is just about one of the most irresponsible and selfish things that one person can do.
For those of you not following the case, the defendant is completely guilty and the trial is basically a formality. Based on the nature of the crime, the death penalty is probably warranted. And it's another scary case of what happens when nice people meet completely insane people and all the worst possible scenarios come true. It's not too much unlike what happened to Lyric Benson. And, just to drive the point home once again, the defendant is completely guilty.
what a terrible situation.
This should remind all of us how important jury duty is. Sure, a lot of people try to get out of it, but it's our civic duty, and it's the true meaning of "power to the people." Most salaried jobs offer some sort of jury duty compensation (oftentimes at full pay). If not, the state offers you some money (around 45 bucks or so a day, not much but better than nothing). Anyway, once you serve, you are automatically off the hook for at least four years.
I don't know enough about the case to comment, but Brian Van, I would not equate "nice people with "completely insane people." It's an illogical and false statement -- many people who have mental problems and are "nice," and there are many who are "sane", but not very "nice"...
and if you'd like to comment on jury service go here:
http://www.jurycommission.com
- NYJuror.gov Webmaster
IF one contributes to the national security by working in counter terrorism and counter intelligece (FISA)ETC., FOR THE GOVT OF USA AND POSSESS TOP SECRET CLEARANCE, DON'T YOU THINK THAT SUCH PEOPLE SHOULD BE EXEMPT FROM JURY DUTY ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE SUMMONED FOR JURY DUTY AT A TIME WHEN THEY HAVE TO GIVE UP THEIR NATIONAL SECURITY SURVEILANCE DUTY TO SATISFY JURY DUTY OBLIGATIONS?
HASN'T SEPT 11, 2001 CHANGED THE EQUATION?
JUST CURIOUS.... DO YOU MANDATE FBI AGENTS,CIA AGENTS, MARINES AND OTHERS DEPLOYED FOR NATIONAL SECURITY TO BE SUMMONED FOR JURY DUTY WHEN THEY ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN NATIONAL SECURITY JOBS?