[HPFGU-OTChatter] Has anyone here been on a jury?

[Aberforth's Goat]

Kristin wrote,
>  I've been on jury duty these past two weeks and I was wondering if
> anyone here has ever been on a jury themselves and what they thought
> of it. Also wondering if they have jury duty in other countries.

If there is such a thing in Switzerland or Italy, I'm certainly not aware of
it. I think the concept of trail by one's peers is particularly American.
(UK too?)

OTOH, Here in Switzerland able bodied males *are* expected to serve in the
military and Zivilschutz (civil defense - this is mostly connected to
helping out in local emergencies). (Theoretically, you're supposed to serve
in the fire brigade, too, unless you have a very good reason not too, such
as a bad back, an asthmatic dog or a lot of tulips to water.)

Many Swiss in my age group (20-30's) are about as enthusiastic about these
patriotic duties, as many Americans are about jury duty. It's generally
considered a (dangerous) joke to have to keep a functional machine gun in
the house; and at mandatory annual target practice, many guys make a point
of shooting as badly as they possibly can without being sent in for remedial
training. That we don't have several shooting sprees every weekend is a
wonder--but perhaps the fact of being *forced* to use weapons ends up
inhibiting the Rambo instinct. (Not that I'd like to live in any other
country with such a strange practice ...)

Which reminds me: has there ever been a movement to limit, regulate or track
wand usage? Was Pettigrew's mother one of the founding members of MAWW (Moms
Against Wand Waving)? They might have supported the Safety Wand Act,
mandating Olivander's new wand with charms to block any spells causing
death, graffiti or bowl movements. The talking heads on the WWN had a field
day discussing pro's and con's until a teenage hacker discovered that
chopping off the tip would turn the Olivander Safety Wand into a potent but
inaccurate sawed-off shotwand. (Known as the "Hogsmead Special" after the
infamous "Honeydukes Stink" of 1987, when three Slytherin fifth years tried
to curse a Gryffindor third year in the sweet shop: 43 teenagers were
treated for severe stomach flu's, and it was *3 weeks* before Honeydukes
could again greet customers with its traditional, appetizing aroma. The
Olivander Safety Wand was thereafter banned.)

Meanderingly,

Aberforth's Goat (a.k.a. Mike Gray)
_______________________

"My own brother, Aberforth, was prosecuted for practising
inappropriate charms on a goat. It was all over the papers,
but did Aberforth hide? No he did not! He held his head high."