what now?

I’ve recently served as a juror on a criminal case.  The experience was once in a lifetime and I sure hope I don’t have to repeat it. 

The charges were first degree murder and attempted murder.  The defendant was an 86 year old man, in a wheelchair with an oxygen tank.

After 2 days of jury selection, 7 days of listening to testimony and seeing evidence, and 4 days of deliberations, we were a hung jury.

I’ve always consider myself a pretty sane person, one who knew the difference between right and wrong, a black and white thinker.  Being a part of this case was surprisingly a really emotional, reflective experience, one that made me question my moral compass.  One that made me realized that I might not see things as clearly black and white as I thought I did.