Fulfilling my duty as a Canadian citizen

Parliament Buildings, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

His words stopped me in my tracks and immediately made me feel sick to my stomach. This was real. I needed to take this matter seriously. 

Just over a year ago I received a questionnaire in the mail summoning me to fill out the information because my name was chosen to be considered for jury duty. By law I was compelled to proceed and mail in this questionnaire to the Attorney General. I didn't give it much thought until I received another summons in the mail in August.

This letter told me my name had been selected to potentially sit on a jury and I was to appear in court in October. I was actually sort of excited about this new adventure. Thankfully, my employers would still pay my salary if I was chosen to sit on the jury so I really had no worries. I was very interested to see how this process worked.  I imagined the case would be a "simple" one. I couldn't have been more wrong!

The day arrived and I showed up at court bumping into a former colleague of mine.  We made fast friends with other potential jurors and were enjoying our time in the waiting room.  We weighed the pros and cons of sitting on this jury should we be chosen. Finally the judge addressed all of us potential jurors  to explain how this process would work. I liked this judge.  First, he summoned into the court room those who had reasons for not serving on the jury. He was fair and compassionate. After this process was complete he began to explain the details of the case. It was at this point where I felt sick to my stomach. The "simple" case turned out to be a murder trial of a two year old child. I was in shock. Now I was torn. Part of me still wanted to see how our Canadian justice system worked yet I was scared to be chosen as I know I would see and hear horrendous details of this case.  

We were finally summoned to enter the court room. To my surprise, the accused was sitting with his lawyer front and centre. Another shock wave impacted my preparations for this duty-the most unnerving for me. I forgot that the accused is technically "innocent until proven guilty." I also didn't know that the accused has the right to help select the jurors for his case. My insides knotted even more as I looked the accused directly in the eye.I already had made up my mind he was guilty!  How could I be impartial if I was selected?

One by one, the court officer pulled jurors' numbers out of a drum and asked them to come to the front of the court room to stand before the judge, the lawyers and the accused. My name was never drawn. Relief filled my soul. However, I must admit I was disappointed. 

I followed the 6 week trial in the paper.  The accused was charged with first degree murder and two counts of assault. I am thankful our justice system did its job. I am thankful that little innocent boy 's family has some closure to this unspeakable tragedy. I am saddened to think this precious child's life was cut short by a senseless act.  I am thankful that I fulfilled my duty as a Canadian citizen so that precious, innocent boy 's voice was heard loud and clear. May he rest in peace and may his family find peace and hope again.