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Thursday, November 24, 2005

John Kerry Serves on Jury; No Decision Reached

It is, perhaps, cruel and unusual to slight the also-ran from Boston. At the same time, it appears to be a nearly-universal rule that anyone famous who serves on a jury instantly enters the mockable realm, should any judicial hilarity ensue. Most senators, recognizing this, have themselves excused from jury duty. Most Hollywood celebrities as well. And top businessmen. And middle managers. And teachers. And sous chefs. And line cooks. And, come to think of it, I’ve never seen a Hebrew National hot dog man on a jury.

So, when Senator Kerry decided to serve on a Boston jury for a civil suit—and then allowed himself to be chosen foreman—he ought to have at least made certain that his jury ended up with a decision. I am sure the good gentleman has had his fill of ‘waffles’ and ‘flip-flops’.

But it was not to be, for indecision seems to shadow the man.

Two Massachusetts residents, John Duarte and Taneika Smith, were involved in a 1999 car crash. They wracked up $7,000 in medical bills and filed suit against the city of Boston for the pain and suffering they experienced as a result of the city’s cruel insistence on firm pavement. The jury, in the end, decided not to award the requested damages, but to go that extra equivocatory mile and place official blame on the city for negligence. And the world goes ‘round.

Posted on November 24, 2005 06:11 PM. Permalink