We, the Jury

The one place in America where our voices still matter, the courtroom, has become plagued by absenteeism. An argument for the importance--and joy!--of jury duty as an antidote to tyranny.

Our jury room in Brooklyn Supreme Court, clockwise around the table starting with me, in the red shirt: Marsha Herdsman, Matt Durante, Katie Black, Zane Flowers, Jahbrill Beckford, Lauren Corry, and Brianna Minogue.

I have eight new best friends: Jahbrill, a postal worker; Matt, a plumber; Marsha and Brianna, NYC public school teachers; Katie, a casting …