I was called for jury duty yesterday--consternation ensued

[librechik]

I was chosen with about 50 other people for the first jury selection. The crime was possession of "cocaine" and possession with intent to sell of "cocaine." The defendant was a little old black man whose nervous habits (OCD) and complete misery were obvious to anyone.

The judge went through the list of disqualifications and people left due to not speaking English enough to follow, having a disabled person at home, etc. Finally he asked if there were any other reasons we might need to disqualify and i raised my hand.

They handed me the microphone and I said, "Your honor, It's my belief that the drug laws in this country are wrong, and the penalties fall unequally on minorities. I would be compelled to release this gentleman immediately, perhaps to a healthcare facility."

I heard a gasp around the room. The judge did not expect this, and he stammered a bit before he said, "well of course you are entitled to your opinion. And I'm sure lots of people agree with you. But would your opinion cause you to be unable to make a fair judgement?"

I said "Sir the laws are unfair. If you put me on the jury I would have to vote for acquittal without even looking at the evidence. This man shouldn't be here."

The judge sighed. "Does anyone else in here have the same opinion?" About 20 people raised their hands. They had to ask all of them if they thought they wouldn't be able to give a fair decision based on the law. In the end, I was the only one excused for believing the cocaine laws are unfair to blacks and shouldn't be used to judge an offender.

I hope everyone in the jury box paid attention to me as they make their judgement.