Here, in the Tampa Bay area, we are constantly bombarded with coverage of the Casey Anthony trial. Having been summoned for jury duty 10 times and serving 5 times I am familiar with the routine. In fact I have summons number 10 sitting on my desk and I am scheduled to report on July 18th.
The first jury I served on was the case of a Police Officer who was working off duty at an office of the DMV. YIKES! He got into a scuffle with a man and was punched in the face. Of course he arrested the man for disorderly conduct and the charge of assault on a law enforcement officer (LEO) was later added. He was in court fighting the assault charge. Based on what? The fact that the officer was working a "side job" and therefore not really a law enforcement officer so how could he be charged with assault on a LEO? Really? These officers are on duty all of the time, are they not? Does and off duty cop not step in when he sees someone violate the law, whether the uniform is on or not?
We listened to 2 days of testimony. The Defense based its case on the fact that at the time of the assault, the officer was not on the City payroll, yet he was in uniform. Then the Defense argued whether or not the officer clearly identified himself as a LEO. Really? For me the uniform, gun and shiny badge would have been a huge clue. Closing arguments were made and we deliberated, briefly. Guilty on all counts.
I just can't wait to see what this next jury experience holds. I'll keep you posted.
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