Friday, August 2, 2013

Seven Things to Bring to Jury Duty

If you saw this outfit post, then you know I recently had the unfortunate pleasure of going to jury duty. Luckily, I was only in the courthouse for three days, but depending on where you live or which courthouse you're called to you could be sitting there for up to two weeks. Not fun. Here are a few things to bring with you to take your mind off the fact that you're bored out of your mind. 

ONE | A Book

Beware, you're going to be sitting and waiting for who knows how long. If you don't get called to a courtroom, you could be waiting in the assembly room all day, so you should bring something to read (novel, magazines) or do (Sudoku, crosswords, homework, etc.).

TWO | Pen & Notebook 

This goes hand-in-hand with number one, but you should bring a pen or pencil and a notepad or sketchbook. You might think of things you have to do later, or you can use the time to doodle or sketch the guy sleeping next to you. Or you can draw yourself at a place you would rather be. Or you can start writing the next great American novel. 

THREE | Comfortable clothing 

Don't come to the courthouse in jeans that are too tight or a skirt that is too short. You don't want to sit all day in jeans that are uncomfortable. And you never know who you'll be sitting next to, so a teeny tiny skirt might make you uncomfortable in a different way. A comfy dress, worn-in jeans, a flowy top, flats or sandals are your best bet. Also, bring a scarf in case you get cold.

FOUR | A Watch 

When I was running to the bus stop on the first day, I realized I'd forgotten my watch, so I ran all the way back to get it. Electronic devices (ie. phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) aren't allowed in the courthouse (at least the one I went to), and you'll want to know how long you've been sitting there. When it's lunchtime or the judge gives everyone a break, you'll need to know when to come back. Don't be the person always asking for the time. 

FIVE | Snacks

You'd be surprised at how doing absolutely nothing can make you hungry. Bring easy to eat, non-smelling snacks, like snack bars, pretzels, or raw vegetables. Also, the judge might postpone lunch if they're in the middle of something, so sneak a bite of a cookie if you can. 

SIX | Change  

If you forget to bring snacks or a drink, but don't want to leave the courthouse because you'll have to go through security again, bring a few dollars in change so that you can use the vending machines. Trust me, you'll be happy you did. 

SEVEN | Your Smile

You're going to be waiting a long time with strangers, so it's best to smile and start a conversation with the people around you. Ask about the book someone is reading, or ask where someone's from, or ask what movie someone saw recently. Make new friends; it helps the time go by faster.

{Bag: H&M | Scarf: Uniqlo | Coin Purse: Museum of Natural History | Watch: Target
Book: Heirs & Spares | Notebook: gift | Pen: 7-Year Pen (gift)}

What would you bring to jury duty?

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34 comments:

  1. I love this. (not because my giveaway is here). I wrote to your other page how I think you are lucky to go to court.
    Anyways, I was working on writing about the contents of my purse so it's funny that you did a post kinda like that. I really love your purse.

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    1. I would love to see what's in your purse! Those posts are so fun!

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  2. Since you first posted about jury duty, my mother got her letter in the mail xD I've just been going *please don't let the envelope be addressed to me*, haha. But now I feel like I would be much more prepared!

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    1. Oh no! I hope she doesn't get stuck in a courthouse for too long!

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  3. Lovely post, I love all of it! :)
    And thanks for your comment :)
    http://la-petite-frenchie.blogspot.fr/

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  4. I have never had to go to jury duty, but if I do I'll remember this!

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  5. Great tips, but I must say that I hope I won't have to use them any time soon! Good for you, making the most of it :)

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  6. These are great tips! Definitely pinning this for later because I'm sure even though I wouldn't mind being called for jury duty, it'll probably get old real quick after being there!

    -Chelsea
    chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

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  7. I like your bag a lot! Aztec print is my weakness! :)

    callmemaddie.blogspot.com

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  8. I had jury duty, and it was a criminal case, but being in a small town it only took 2 days and the trial was done. But we had such a good jury and they were hilarious that it actually made an annoying thing turn into a kind of fun thing.

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    1. The people definitely make being in jury duty much better, but it still sucks haha!

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  9. Great tips! I've served jury duty a couple of times but didn't get called for a trial either time.. so basically just a lot of waiting. Luckily the DC court plays decent movies in the waiting room and you can bring laptops/ipads/etc so it's not so bad!

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  10. I love this post - so practical! I've never been called for jury duty and never once considered how I might prepare if I were. I'm keeping these tips in mind in case it ever happens to me :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  11. Great post, I always forget about watches in these days of phones!

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  12. Oh, not really nice to be at a courthouse, dear Sara, but your tips are helpful indeed if I should have to do this one day, too ...

    Hope the three days are already over for you!

    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena

    www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de

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  13. This was such a fun post! I always wonder if one day I will be pulled for jury duty...I am hoping no but I will definitely make the best of it if I do!

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    1. I hope you don't get summoned for jury duty! Fingers crossed!

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  14. lol I've never been for jury duty- but thank you so much for the tips! I'll be ready for them :D

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  15. Jury Duty! Wow, I know about that in the U.S, I think it would be crazy and annoying, but I guess someone has to do it?
    I absolutely love the bag! It's so perfect :)

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    1. Unfortunately, we all get picked at some point for it. It's a necessary evil!

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  16. Wow it's nice to see this from a juror's perspective. I always just thought you would bring a pen and a notebook and that's it. Was it all that bad? We learn about it in legal and I think it would be quite interesting :p

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Hello, beautiful! Thanks for leaving a comment!
Have a lovely day!
~Sara ♥

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