A couple months ago I was summoned for jury duty and today was my day to appear.
I headed down to Austin municipal court, went to the room, signed in, sat down, read a book, and then was sent home. There were 21 cases, and all decided against trial by jury (plead no contest, plea bargain, whatever). So, no one was needed and after about 2 hours total I was home.
Interesting that all of my jury duty experiences have been the same in that regard.
I will say, upon entrance to the courthouse there’s a full screening process, like at the airport only without the abject humiliation. I was surprised it was handled by a private security firm and not Austin Police Department. I of course set off the metal detector. I was wearing a pair of 5.11 covert pants, so more zippers than normal; belt with buckle; steel shanks in the soles of my cowboy boots, and I figure all that just was too much for the detector. Wand me down, off I went. Oh and once again, the spare battery for my MacBook Pro confounds the x-ray operator; happens quite frequently.
Here’s the thing.
I had to fully disarm to go to the courthouse: no gun, no knives, no Leatherman, no nothing. Something felt wrong about being forced to do a civic duty while being stripped of my basic rights.
Stuff From Hsoi 
It’s got a shank! Look out! 😛
Honestly, it doesn’t make sense that you can carry in the Austin State Capitol building, but not a county courthouse.
I agree.
I had to appear for Jury Duty in Fort Worth a couple months ago and it was the same routine with one slight difference.
The County mandates that all prospective jurors park in a remote lot and take a bus in.
Glad few criminals know this super secret location (LaGrave Field parking lots for the Fort Worth Cats -minor league team) or that people have to stand around unarmed for 10 to 30 minutes at a time waiting for the bus.
Makes me feel so safe to know that the county cares about our safety so much
Last time I had jury duty there was a similar setup of parking and being bussed in. But didn’t have to for this one, I guess due to the particular courthouse.
And just the same, it’s not like it’s in the best location in town. I mean sure it’s downtown, sure it’s right by APD headquarters, but that means NOTHING. Last time I was in that same area (to see a concert) well… let’s just say I was glad I was better armed at the time.
*sigh*
Remember, we’re not citizens, we’re serfs.