Jury duty in Newark - advice?

I have jury duty in Newark next week.

Has anyone been this summer?  Is the courthouse overly air-conditioned?  Should I wear shorts or pants?

Any suggestions for places to eat lunch?

Any other advice?  I'm loading up my eReader and will pack snacks.

Oh - and I'm not looking for advice on how to avoid jury duty.  As corny as it sounds, I believe in the importance of serving.

Hobby's Deli.  

When I went, I brought my own lunch and ate it on a bench outside.

They have a cafeteria there that you can eat at; not great, but OK. I had a quick lunch there and then walked around outside (I was there last June). It was very pleasant. I brought a sweater with me, but didn't need it. They never called me for a panel, so I spent the day in the waiting room watching CNN. They told us not to come back the next day.

Arrive early if you want to park in the courthouse lot.

2nd. on Hobby's Deli.

If you want quick and easy --- You can walk down the street and eat at the Essex Country Community College cafeteria.  Lots of tables and you can even eat outside.  Food OK, and better than at the courthouse.  

cubby said:

Arrive early if you want to park in the courthouse lot.

Absolutely great advice!

I do remember being on a panel and the room that we deliberated in being hot but the next time the room we were in for Grand Jury was comfortable.

Enjoy the process!

I am on a jury now, and have been for a couple of weeks.

Second the cafeteria being only ok, but it has been too hot the last two weeks to go out, at least for me.  It is quite inexpensive, though.  I have been able to eat for less than $10 every day.  

I went to Hobby's and Dinosaur before it got too hot.  A number of my fellow jurors bring their lunches, but there is no microwave or refrigeration for our use.  They do not mind you bringing food into the cafeteria.  Gerry Ryan has suggested the Green Chickpea on Halsey Street -- I am going to try it if we have time this week.

There are Kurigs in the main jury assembly area that are on from arrival until about 11:00, with a very limited but free selection of coffee and tea.

The jury holding area is large and fairly comfortable.  I find the air conditioning to be fine throughout the courthouse, so you may want a sweater -- some of my fellow jurors have been chilly.  The management is efficient and friendly.  There are three large rooms with not-horrible chairs, one with ESPN, one with CNN, and one with HGTV showing.  There is a quiet work area with carrels that can get filled up.  There are two areas with round tables and chairs you can eat or work at.  The wifi is free and adequate.

cubby said:

Arrive early if you want to park in the courthouse lot.

Not true.  There is plenty of parking in the deck, nicely shaded and free for jurors.

To add to the prior posting, at least two years ago, there were also food trucks nearby that provide good, cheap options. 

If you are waiting around, look to the back of the big jury holding areas for smaller rooms with very comfortable couches and chairs.

The only really quiet space is the computer room which fills up quickly.  

This.

soresident said:

If you are waiting around, look to the back of the big jury holding areas for smaller rooms with very comfortable couches and chairs.

There are ways to get out but probably most of them involve lying.  Unless you have a true hardship, I recommend you try to enjoy the experience and take advantage of the downtime.

EBennett said:


Oh - and I'm not looking for advice on how to avoid jury duty.  As corny as it sounds, I believe in the importance of serving.

Thanks everyone.  There was plenty of parking when I arrived at 9.  Due to inactivity we were sent to lunch early so I walked to Hobby's Deli.  Enjoyed walking around studying the statues.  

@yahooyahoo  I'm a bit confused by your post - as I stated (and you quoted) I'm ready to serve on a jury.

Sorry, my mistake. I read your post too quickly.

If you do get picked for a jury, cross your fingers that you don't get selected as one of the alternate jurors after the testimony ends.  It involved sitting in a room for several days with one other person while the other jurors deliberate without you.  No internet allowed.  Bring a good book if you are selected as the alternate.  Alternate juror = boring.