As I waited on the 5th floor for two days last week for a verdict in the murder case of Amber Harris, I couldn't help but sense the gravity the 14 jurors felt as they walked, escorted by Sheriff's deputies, from Courtroom 2 to the elevator for a break.  Whether it was to the restroom or outside the Courthouse for a cigarette, the massive weight of a death penalty case became obvious.

If there was any question as to the interest in this case, it must of been clear to them as they walked by several cameras, cables and podiums on the way to their breaks.  Reporters ignored them.  Jurors did the same to us.  We're not to have any contact with them.  No one wants to make a case for a mistrial.  So under that context, it always seems a little strange when they come walking through wearing a white tag stuck to their shirts with one word typed on it -- "Juror" -- and everyone treats them as if they're invisible.

I've never been on a jury but I've talked, even interviewed, a number of people who have.  I'm always asking them about the case that just wrapped up and how they reached their decision and weighed the evidence.  But I've never asked them about that strange dynamic of the people they encounter during the breaks.  Jurors have such an important role in our justice system.  Many consider it their civic duty to serve.  Although it probably doesn't feel that way at the time.

So now, after a 'Guilty of Murder' verdict and a 'Yes' to the case warranting the death penalty, the jurors can become visible again and go back to their routines. No doubt, they will always remember the exhaustion of examining the evidence of those two weeks in April of 2008.  I know Amber Harris' family will.

Thanks for reading,

Brian

- Have you been on a jury before?  If so, I'd like to hear if you encountered that strange dynamic of feeling invisible.