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What did you think of the Jury Duty Lady?

I just dressed as myself when I was called, and both attorneys rejected me immediately. I wasn't sure if I should've been happy or insulted.
 
She was probably a serious member of that "Starfleet" group. I've been acquainted with fans in that group, and they take themselves pretty seriously.

Upon first encountering this thread, I thought: "Hey, that's a great idea - maybe next time I can borrow one of those and get out of jury duty." But then I read that she was actually selected for the jury. WTF? Just what exactly does one have to wear to get a free pass outta jury duty, anyway?

First, her name is Barbara Adams. She is featured in both Trekkers and Trekkers II.

Second, she is not a member of STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association. As far as I know, she is a member of International Federation of Trekkers.

Her own explanation was quite rational, though flawed:

1. Her chapter is service oriented.

2. She wears the uniform to make everyone aware she is part of the chapter WHENEVER she does community service. Also, (as of Trekkers II), on casual Fridays at work.

3. There is no other evidence that she is in need of psychological help. She has a real job, and is liked by her employer and customers.

I don't defend her action, I don't think she really did Trek fans a service, but I don't think all the accusations are warranted.

P.S. I drive my Trek car everywhere. If called to jury duty I will drive it. I will not show up in uniform. Maybe.
 
The article linked above would seem to give some additional insight, though.

While the woman was selected to serve on the jury, and neither attorney had a problem with her selection, she was eventually dismissed because she granted an interview to the media. All the jurors were specifically instructed not to speak to the press, yet she chose to.

That suggests to me that she really was more interested in garnering attention for herself and didn't have much respect for the proceeding. Which should be approached with respect and seriousness as you are potentially responsible for whether or not someone loses their freedom and goes to prison.

Had she simply worn her Starfleet uniform the entire time, but otherwise performed appropriately as a juror, I would think it was eccentric, but not necessarily an indication of any negative motivations on her part. But going and giving an interview to the press makes me seriously question her motivations.
 
First, her name is Barbara Adams. She is featured in both Trekkers and Trekkers II.

Second, she is not a member of STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association. As far as I know, she is a member of International Federation of Trekkers.

Her own explanation was quite rational, though flawed:

1. Her chapter is service oriented.

2. She wears the uniform to make everyone aware she is part of the chapter WHENEVER she does community service. Also, (as of Trekkers II), on casual Fridays at work.

3. There is no other evidence that she is in need of psychological help. She has a real job, and is liked by her employer and customers.

I don't defend her action, I don't think she really did Trek fans a service, but I don't think all the accusations are warranted.

Have to admit, I'm struggling to find the rational part of that explanation.
 
She was probably a serious member of that "Starfleet" group. I've been acquainted with fans in that group, and they take themselves pretty seriously.
Lots of fandoms take cosplaying seriously. But this is the only case I know of where a fan actually cosplayed in court.

Great Bird, she made us look even worse than the furries.
 
I agree with the ideals promoted on Risa.

Can I attend jury duty with no pants on, and a horgan in my lap?
 
Her own explanation was quite rational, though flawed:

1. Her chapter is service oriented.

2. She wears the uniform to make everyone aware she is part of the chapter WHENEVER she does community service. Also, (as of Trekkers II), on casual Fridays at work.

3. There is no other evidence that she is in need of psychological help. She has a real job, and is liked by her employer and customers.

I don't defend her action, I don't think she really did Trek fans a service, but I don't think all the accusations are warranted.
Here's the problem with her explanation: Showing up for jury duty in costume does not make people think "wow, that Star Trek fan group does lots of community service work." It makes people think "wow, those Star Trek fans are disconnected from reality."

There is a time and a place for everything. You do not wear a costume of any sort to jury duty. Period. It is a serious legal proceeding that deserves some respect.
 
When I think "community service," I think volunteerism. Lots of volunteers wear identifying clothing to the site of their community service. They want to be seen by others, they want others to approve of their group.

Jury duty isn't voluntary, it's ... well, it's a duty. An obligation. It's not an opportunity for conspicuous altruism. Going to jury duty while wearing a sartorial billboard--whether a Starfleet uniform, your biker jacket, or a sandwich board advertising your business--is grossly self-centered.
 
It seems to me that if you do honor what Starfleet stands for, you practice its principles rather than put on a show like wearing a costume.
 
Ugh. The image of that woman in the Trek uniform is what ruined our image in the public eye for over a decade. We're still trying to recover from the 'Trekkies' debacle. Most Trek fans have a grip on reality, and just watch the shows for entertainment. The media and the mainstream see only these extremists who take things way too far.
 
Isn't the title of the movie "Trekkies," not "Trekkers?"

Denise Crosby produced "Trekkies" and "Trekkies 2". But there is also a "Trekkers: A Fan's Guide" by a different production team. It focuses a lot of attention on fanfilm group, "Starship Intrepid".
 
Man, I LOVE this thread. I've already said everything I have to say on this subject... but I love this thread.
 
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