The Jury Duty Experience

Thank you for serving your community. Being on a jury is a rewarding experience which in some cases may be quite demanding.  You were asked to listen to testimony and to examine facts and evidence.  /coming to decisions is often not easy, but your participation is appreciated.

Serving on a jury is not a common experience and may cause some jurors to have temporary symptoms of distress.  Not everyone feels anxiety or increased stress after jury duty.  However, it may be helpful to be aware of the symptoms if they arise.  Some temporary signs of distress include: anxiety, sleep or appetite changes, moodiness, physical problems (headaches, stomach aches, etc...), second guessing your verdict, feeling guilty, fear, trouble dealing with issues or topics related to the case, a desire to be alone, or decreased concentration.

Symptoms may come and go, but will eventually go away.  To help yourself, it is important to recognize the symptoms and deal with any unpleasant reactions.

Coping Techniques After Serving On a Jury:  

• Talk with family members and friends.  You may also want to talk to your family physician or a member of the clergy.
• Stick to your normal daily routines.  It is important to return to your normal schedule.
• Before you leave the court, you may wish to get the names and numbers of a few fellow jurors.  Sometimes it is helpful to talk to people who went through the experience with you.
• Remember that you are having normal responses to an unusual experience.
• It may be helpful to limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine during this period.  These substances can increase anxiety, fatigue and can make sleep problems worse.  

Final Thoughts:

• Remember that jury service is the responsibility of good citizens.
• Resist negative thoughts about the verdict.
• No matter what others may think about the verdict, your opinion is the only one that matters.

• You don't have to proof yourself to anyone.

• Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to serve on a jury.  Some cases are very violent and brutal and hard to deal with.  The case is now over and it is important for you to get on with your life.

• If you are fearful of retaliation or if you are threatened after the trial, tell the court and/or law enforcement immediately.

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