Teen Finds Herself on Jury Duty
February 22nd, 1972
California’s first teen-aged juror who was impaneled by mistake found it was an interesting and educational experience.
Marjorie Ann Owen, 18, a sophomore at Lassen College, was chosen for jury duty last week in a speeding case.
Her selection was an oversight because a new state law allowing 189-year-olds to serve on juries does not go into effect until March 4th but attorneys in the case agreed not to challenge her.
“I was very honored.” Miss Owen said on Saturday. “I was a little nervous at first, but it was quite an educational experience. I’d never been in a courtroom before.”
She said her fellow jurors were “quite pleased” at having a teenager on the panel. “And afterward the judge told me he was happy I was picked.” She added. “He told me I did a good job.”
The defendant in the case a truck driver was acquitted.
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