Esther McCarthy: Jury duty wasn't the courtroom drama I'd hoped for

“In Ireland,” an animated voice tells us, “jury service is one of the most important duties you can perform as an ordinary citizen.” I sit up straighter. I am on crucial business here.

Esther McCarthy. Picture: Emily Quinn

“This is an absolute DISGRACE! Have you no respect for our time? I’m not coming back tomorrow.”

It’s day four of jury duty, and the mob is getting restless. They’ve just been told they’re not excused, even though a jury has just been selected. It’s my first time getting called, and I’m excited and a bit nervous, like the couple of seconds after I’ve asked the hairdresser for a fringe. There are about 200 of us, mostly over 30, a decent gender mix.