Let’s compare the experiences of two hypothetical jurors.

The first is in what folks are calling the “before times,” when in-person trials were the norm back before the pandemic took hold. That juror likely drove to the courthouse and had to find parking, or perhaps she took public transit. Regardless, after taking time to commute, the juror passed through a security check, made her way up the stairs or elevator, only to land in the jury assembly room on time for the trial day only to find, lo-and-behold, the lawyers and judge weren’t quite ready to start. Given all the other built-in delays in her day, the temporary stall is a minor hassle, if not a chance to catch up with her fellow jurors over a complimentary cup of subpar coffee.