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I Got Called For Jury Duty

I have had to go for Jury Duty the last two days. It was a trial for an alcohol related offense which I have done before but this time we had to decide the punishment. Previously the judge did it. Now that it is over, it is really starting to bug me that we could have really ruined this guys life by costing him his job and so much money. I know he committed the offense so needs to pay the price but still who am I to have that much control over someone. I don't deserve to cast punishment on someone. It really did not hit me before or during the trial or even right after it finished but on the way home it sunk in. I get it he could have really hurt someone and needs to be taught a lesson so he doesn't do it again but I have done something somewhat similar before but did not get caught. Granted mine wasn't as severe but still. I guess it really bugs me because I was part of the sentencing phase and to think I could have really hurt someone just tears me up.
So I take it you feel guilty handing out harsh sentences to someone else when you've been guilty of the same offense?

But look at it this way.. This guy have been busted for this before nay? He most likely does it a lot more times too and hasn't been busted every time.. He's a habitual offender and puts others at risk with his careless indifference to his own illegal vice.. So

Lots of nice innocent people have been killed by drunk drivers (and many nowadays by people who text and drive but that's another matter). It would be a a seemingly harmless thing to do if they didn't kill anyone else and put other people at risk but they do. Therefore the courts take it very seriously.. Thus the harsh sentences..
Justpeaceandlove · 61-69, F
Maybe you were put in this situation to stop feeling guilty about what you did. And now you can have compassion on the one you have to judge. :)
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