Jury Deliberation Day 4
Harold stood next to the chalkboard. His hands were covered in a white, dusty coat of chalk.
On the board was a detailed summary of the three previous days of deliberation.
He had taken the morning to review meticulously their discussion from each day, making sure each juror was on the same page and that there was no confusion about the facts presented during the long trial.
“It’s now three o’clock on day four. I think we’ve had a very careful, and sometimes spirited, discussion about the case.
I know I’ve learned a great deal from listening to each of your opinions, and I hope my own views have helped shape our decision.
When we sat down four days ago, we took an initial vote that had us nearly split in half.
Today, after a careful review of the facts, and unless there are objections, I propose we take our second vote to see where we stand as a group.
To complete this process, we all know we must come to a unanimous decision.
Are there any objections to conducting an open vote again now? ”
There were not.
“Okay,” Harold said, taking a seat at the head of the table. “I’ll need a show of hands. First I’ll ask who believes she is guilty. Then I’ll ask who believes she is not guilty. Are we clear?”
All twelve agreed they were.