Court Order. Or, Am I an Old Fart?
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I just completed my civic duty (for the next three years, anyway)--serving as a juror during a medical malpractice trial. I've never served as a juror on a trial before. I've only been summoned for jury duty one other time--almost 20 years ago, when I was in college--and I basically just sat around for hours in a cramped, hot room before I was finally dismissed. I did a lot of sitting around this time, too, but I noted many differences. First of all, I was sitting in a brand-new, state-of-the-art courthouse. I had confirmed my ability to serve online, and registration was done in the jury-pool room via networked computers and scanners. (As I remember it, 20 years ago I handed my summons to a man sitting at a high wooden podium with an inkpad and stamp.) But perhaps the biggest sign of the tech times was a juror who got in trouble for texting when he wasn't supposed to. The problem, I think, was that the terms "not supposed to" and "texting" just didn't go together for the 20-something juror. I don't want to stereotype anyone (and I also don't want to sound like an old fart, because I'm not one), but how many times have you seen a younger person texting through a movie, or during a phone conversation with another person, or (worst of all) while driving? So why should a court of law be any different? I'm not sure where the generational line is drawn. I do know that my 14-year-old daughter texts me from her phone often, and it takes me an inordinately long time to respond to her because I'm fumbling with the keys. Nine times out of 10 I respond by calling her, which exasperates her to no end (almost as much as when I insist on using correct spelling, punctuation and grammar in my IMs to her). Wait a minute. Maybe I am an old fart. |
Comments (18)
True enough
I really don't think this issue is about age, it's more about manners and etiquette
and how our digital medium is changing how we interact
There is no doubt in my mind that we interact faster, but is that better? I don't think so
I guess that makes me an old fart too
BTW - I am
Posted by Rick MacBean | October 19, 2007 12:33 PM
The one that bothered me was driving down the interstate and being passed by a driver with a paperback novel open on top of the steering wheel.
Posted by Murray | October 19, 2007 12:41 PM
I am over 50, and definitely an old fart to any twenty-something. The main reason I don't text and use these microscopic technological advances is because I'd have to drag out my reading glasses to do it. I'm jealous of these youngsters. That being said, I have no problem with having to check your electronic equipment at the door to the courthouse. Some things are sacred, after all.
Posted by Jonathan S Filter | October 19, 2007 12:43 PM
Paperback novel, Ha!! Not a week goes by that I don't see someone on the Turnpike with a New York Times spread over the wheel.
Posted by Lou | October 19, 2007 12:45 PM
Actually, here in metro Atlanta traffic, the worst I saw was somebody on I-85 -- no kidding -- eating a bowl of cereal balanced between themselves and the steering wheel. Seen lots of reading and writing on top of the steering wheel going on also.
Posted by anon | October 19, 2007 2:21 PM
I definitely am an old fart and have been in the computing world for 27 years.
My comment is to agree completely about the lack of consideration for others and manners exhibited by not just the 20 Somethings but also those that try to be "with it" and emulate them. Even more so, in the view of jury duty, they would not be able have their devices with them during court, or during deliberations. A long trial could lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Posted by Steve Murdock | October 19, 2007 3:11 PM
I'm 64 and definitely an 'old fart'. The real shame is that the younger generation are NOT being taught about the workings of our government and that there is a 'time and place' for everything. I have seen lots of crazy doings of other drivers, while they are driving, but, to be texting during a court trial, is about the worst.
I firmly believe that no electronical devices, cell phones or the like, should be allowed in the courtroom. As a juror, you are there to listen and pay attention to the testimonies of the various individuals, not being distracted by your outside life.
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Posted by Objessecefe | October 21, 2007 6:41 AM
I agree with Mme Moxie. The real worry is the isolation that younger people must feel if they have to be connected constantly to a friend via texting. Gadgets are isolating. Your main relationship is with the gadget, not with the friend who is the recipient. In the 'old days' folks that liked to express themselves at all times, kept journals. It;s more honest than texting, but obviously not as 'cool'-or whatever the lingo is today!
Posted by sofia | October 21, 2007 4:08 PM
I know Deb and she's no old fart!
As a guilty Blackberry user, I often use it when people think it is inappropriate. But never when I'm in a situation where I need to pay attention, e.g., like in a jury. That just boggles my mind.
Posted by Robert | October 21, 2007 4:21 PM
Was lookin' for this... I might even
have to throw down a bookmark.
Nickster
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Posted by MildMorrict | October 21, 2007 7:53 PM
Part of the problem with the "younger" generation (I'm 48 btw), is that: 1. young folks don't think rules apply to them, and 2. young folks don't think they are subject to consequences.
Both of those are related. Parents in general have not been holding their children responsible for their actions as strongly as our parents held us. Which is why they don't think the rules apply to them. And the way they are held responsible is requiring consequences appropriate to the their lack of behavior. Call it discipline, or call it punishment, or call it consequences, the result is the same: if you do this, or fail to do this, then something unpleasant happens. Unfortunately, in this kinder and gentler world we are bringing our kids up in, we have been shielding them from too much of the unpleasantness.
Posted by Michael Houst | October 22, 2007 8:35 AM
I'm right in the middle of this conversation in terms of age range (being 31). I understand and see the communication becoming more and more rapid (though texting is just annoying), yet I am sadden by the downgrade in the education of the communicators.
It's not the 'next generations' fault. We all work in companies who have a primary goal to come up with, spin, package and sell 'widget brand X' to whomever they can. We all in some fashion participate in that consumer cycle (and it is not bad, it just is...). The age group less than 25?, grew up with that technology like I did with Atari. Why would you not pick on my age group about blowing video games into a multi-billon dollar industry? Smile.
To the point, though the technology is here and becomes ever more present in our lives, I wonder if we are collectively becoming dumber. I hate texting and do it infrequently. Yet as you mentioned, the younger age hits a phone key pad incredibly fast. I wonder if my college education was even worth it when the 'next generation' of workers now speaks, e-mails and texts in phrases and language that business school told me was the province of a sub-par IQ.
To make any of you laugh, there is a story that the QWERTY keyboard was designed to keep receptionists and other typists at a certain speed. Yet everyone using a computer has adapted and types with no concern about the 'correct layout'. Have you ever wondered how adaptable we are when the next generation can use a phone to text and bang out War and Peace while we just want to make a simple call? I guess they adapted as well.
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