re: Upcoming jury duty

I was on a jury recently ... they never took our cell phones and never mentioned anything about them. Had it with me the whole time.

After the initial people were selected, anyone who "had a reason" that they couldn't serve could go up and tell the judge what it was. One dude had dyslexia and he was excused -- one dude has physical issues and couldn't sit for a long time and the judge excused him -- a couple met the criteria of being over a certain age and were eligible to serve but opted not to -- one woman was excused due to it being the anniversary of her son's death or something like that (I swear -- she gets up to say why she can't and BUSTS out in TEARS LOUDLY sobbing so the judge called her to the bench -- others had to speak into the microphone -- couldn't hear what was said but she was escorted out through the back door).

eta: One dude (50ish or so) said he couldn't read and write ... which I felt terrible for him to have to admit that out loud but 1) how does it affect your ability to listen and discuss and 2) how does that happen in this day and age??? I'm 45 and can't imagine that!