Jury Duty FAQ

The following are questions that I had prior to my jury duty. In the end, I was only there for two hours and didn't even get considered for a jury.

I was summoned to the Dowling Centre in Sydney, NSW on what appeared to be a quiet-ish day. YMMV. Also, the sheriff help line is good, if a little slow to pick up the phone.

How many people show up?
Each panel has 100 people, of which only about 60 showed up. Of that 60, about 35 applied for exclusion (about 5-10 of those were like me, who were unable to do a longer trial). On the day I was there, they were empaneling for 2 trials and there were 2 panels of jurors. So we're looking at 50-60 odd people, of which only 24 will be needed.

If I don't get selected on jury, for how long do I have to keep going in?
It may have been due to lack of trials or something else, but there didn't appear to be any jurors from previous days, and after I was discharged I was told I was off the roll for a year.

What should I wear?
Neat and clean jeans seem to be ok. T-shirts were borderline. Polo shirts ok.

Can I take a laptop?
Yes, and you might get some time to use it until you're empaneled. You can use it in the waiting room, but not when you in a trial. Similar deal with mobiles, though you're probably more likely to be allowed to use them during breaks.

What TV channel is on in the waiting room?
Channel 9 and it's wonderful, amazing Kerrie-Anne show, replete with blatant advitorial.

Why should I watch the instructional video?
Because it's fucking hilarious.

Unfair Play at the World Cup?

Has this been the worst World Cup ever in terms of sportsmanship? There hasn't been a standout piece of bad sporting taste (Hand of God, Non-Aggression Treaty of Gijón), there have been several - Surez's handball, di Rossi's dive, the Swiss/Chile red card, Fabiano's multiple handling, the Mexican's harassment of a linesman.

It seems that players are expected to, if not simulate, then at least exagerate. Couple that with the horrible treatment of the officials by the players, the disrespect of the managers.

The real concern has to be that little kids and pub footballers will think that this ok.

Baker's slap on Mooney's hand

AFL players association is angry at the match review panel's slur on Bakers manliness, and shouldn't be targeted in this way.

What about protecting players who are injured and don't deserve to be targeted?

A beginners guide to being a good person

In no particular order...

How to be classy
How to nice
How to make someone feel loved