Notes From a First-Time Juror

I was summoned, I showed up, and to my surprise I was chosen. The trial lasted four days. It concerned a car accident and a disputed left turn, and it was, in its quiet way, one of the most moving things I have ever witnessed.

Twelve strangers, none of whom wanted to be there, sat in a windowless room and argued, carefully and in good faith, about what was fair. Nobody raised their voice. A retired electrician changed his mind twice. When we reached a verdict, a woman who had barely spoken all week said, “I hope we got it right,” and everyone nodded.

I do not know if we got it right. I know we tried. It is a strange and hopeful thing that the system depends on that.