Jury's out on justice proposal

SOME years ago I was called for jury service. It was one of the most intriguing, compelling and insightful two weeks of my life.

- SUSAN LEE

I'd been in court before, of course, as a reporter covering cases; the day a neighbour appeared in the dock accused of burglary was a particular highlight.

The invitations to Christmas drinks at their house dried up after that, as I recall.

But I'd never sat in a jury room as one of 12 people charged with deciding the fate of another human being.

My fellow jurors came from all walks of life and from all backgrounds.

And that’s as it should be - juries should reflect the rich, diverse society from which they are drawn.

There were different attitudes and opinions expressed. Not everyone agreed with everyone else, but again, that is only proper - it’s a dangerous path when other people's opinions or ideas become ignored or disallowed.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.