Hello all, I wanted to just write this down to get it out, read if you like.

Yesterday, I was called to Jury Duty. Yeah, yeah...I know big deal right?

What would you do if the jury you were called for involved the Rape of a 6 year old Girl by a person in position of authority? (Thats right SIX)

I had to recuse (Sp?) myself from the jury. I have some issues with anxiety/panic anyhow, but sitting in the jury box while they were questioning us prospecetive jurors had me in complete horror. One of the questions posed to us potential jurors was "Could you handle listening to a 7 year old testify about how it felt when she was vaginally penetrated by a 33 year old?".

I almost puked, really. I just had to get the F*$K out of that courtroom as quickly as possible. I raised my hand. talked to the judge (In the midst of a panic attack) and was dismissed. I am still a bit "Off" today.

Out of 60 prospective jurors 30 or so had to leave before me, for various reasons, some were victims of abuse, some were or had been accused, or many just like me, could not handle the subject matter. Overall I was shocked at how many people, my peers, had been involved in this kind of thing. Virtually every single woman, and some men were in tears just listenting to the case, very powerful stuff.

I have done jury service before and found it quite rewarding and educational. I feel bad that I could not do it. Now I have this guilt, that maybe, by me leaving, that this little girl (Or possibly innocent man) may not find justice.

How would you react?