As a personal injury attorney in Missouri, I've had many clients and friends ask me about the new hit show, Jury Duty. They all want to know: is that really what it's like? The show, which follows a man who doesn't know he's in a fake trial surrounded by actors, has people talking. While it's great television, it's not a documentary.
Here are five of the biggest differences between the show and what you can expect if you're called for jury duty in Missouri.
1. The Drama is (Mostly) Fake
The show portrays jury duty as a series of bizarre and hilarious events, from strange outbursts in the courtroom to wild antics after hours. While any group of strangers brought together will have its interesting moments, real jury duty is far more formal and, frankly, a lot less dramatic.
In a real Missouri courtroom, the proceedings are serious and highly structured. The judge and court staff maintain strict order to ensure a fair trial. While the show got it right that some people will try to get out of jury duty with strange excuses, the constant, over-the-top drama is pure Hollywood.
2. The Jury Selection Process (Voir Dire)
In Jury Duty, the jury selection process, known as voir dire, seems almost random. While the show touches on the idea of screening jurors, it's a much more in-depth process in reality.
In Missouri, during voir dire, the judge and attorneys for both sides will ask a panel of potential jurors a series of questions. The goal is to uncover any biases or personal experiences that might prevent someone from being impartial. It's not just about having a pulse and a free schedule. For example, if a potential juror has a close relationship with a police officer, they might be excused from a criminal case. Or, if a person has a pending lawsuit over a car accident, they might not be selected by one side in a car crash case. This process is a critical part of ensuring a fair trial and is taken very seriously.
3. Juror Conduct and Communication
One of the most significant differences is how the jurors in the show interact with each other and the case. The show features jurors talking about the case from day one, interacting with the defendant and lawyers, and even visiting the scene of the "crime" without supervision.
In a real trial, these actions would cause an immediate mistrial. Jurors are given very strict instructions:
- You cannot discuss the case with anyone, including other jurors, until formal deliberations begin after all evidence has been presented.
- You are not allowed to do your own research or visit any locations related to the case.
- Contact with the lawyers, judge, or parties involved in the case is strictly forbidden outside of the formal courtroom setting.
4. Sequestration is Extremely Rare
In the show, the judge sequesters the jury, meaning they are isolated from the public and must stay in a hotel for the duration of the trial. This makes for great TV, forcing the cast of characters to interact outside of the courtroom. However, sequestration is incredibly rare in real life, especially for a civil case like the one in the show. Sequestration occurs in very high profile cases where a great deal of media attention to the case is likely.
In Missouri, jurors almost always go home at the end of the day and are simply instructed not to discuss the case or look up information about it.
5. The Role of the Foreperson
On Jury Duty, the judge appoints the main character, Ronald, as the jury's foreperson. In a real Missouri courtroom, the jury itself typically elects the foreperson once they begin deliberations. The foreperson's job is to act as the spokesperson for the jury, leading the discussion and ensuring that it's conducted in an orderly fashion. While it's an important role, it doesn't usually involve the kind of "herding cats" leadership role that Ronald has to take on in the show.
Understanding Your Role in the Missouri Justice System
While Jury Duty may not be a realistic portrayal of the legal process, it does get one big thing right: jury duty is a vital civic responsibility where people from all walks of life come together to play a role in the justice system. So, if you get that summons in the mail, don't expect a sitcom. But do expect to play an important part in your community and in our nation's great justice system.
If you have questions about the Missouri legal process or need representation in a personal injury case, our experienced attorneys are here to help guide you through the real legal system—no actors required.
