by Mike Martin
Clash Daily Contributor
I received a jury duty summons to serve in Uvalde. I have a concealed carry permit. The courthouse is posted that either open carry or concealed carry in the courthouse is prohibited. I do not want to leave a handgun unattended in a vehicle for an unknown number of hours where it can be stolen.
Quandary! Does an individual’s right to a trial by jury take precedence over my 2nd amendment right to arm myself for self-defense? Since people are entitled to a random jury pool is it fair that a class of potential jurists is excluded because they want to exercise their right to carry? Maybe I’m worrying over nothing and a call to the courthouse might tell me where I can check-in my weapon upon arrival, and collect it when I’m ready to leave again.
I called the number from the summons and asked how am I supposed to report for jury duty when I’m not allowed into the courthouse? “She” said it wouldn’t be a problem, give her my juror number and she would have me removed. I gave her the number.
Then I asked if she wasn’t curious about why I wasn’t allowed into the courthouse. “Not really” she said. I said let me tell you anyway, and explained that I was a permitted concealed carrier and that the courthouse was posted no open or concealed carriers (carrying) allowed. I also said that I didn’t know of a place in the courthouse where I could check my weapon. Ok, you’ve been removed from the list.
Now I feel a little sorry for the individual who will not have a chance to have me on “their” jury along with my 68+ years of experience. My wife says they’re probably lucky. Makes me think that there should be a place to “check your weapons” after arrival!
How good can our judicial system be if a citizen (68-years-old) has never served on a jury? I reported 2 x in Pa. but wasn’t placed on a jury. Only questioned once in a group of about 30, but not called. Another solution could be pick up by a deputy and delivered to and returned from the courthouse.
In any event, contact your state representative and ask them for a solution.
Lord, please keep any jurors from harm and grant them the wisdom to do justice according to your divinely inspired Constitution. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen
Image: Shutterstock; ID: 359025953
Mike Martin thanks you for the opportunity to express “different points of views”, and if you were to ask his family they would probably tell you that he’s as different as they come….
