To The Editor: In response to a summons to do my civic duty, I reported to the Atlantic County Justice Complex, and after giving confirmation of my presence, was directed to a large room where dozens of individuals were already in attendance. After a wait that exceeded my expectations, everyone’s attention was directed to the front of the room where a woman stood announcing a film would soon begin which would explain terms jurors would hear in the courtroom during the course of a trial. I wondered: With paper and pencils lying about in abundance, and considering the superiority of the hand written, to the recall of fading visuals, why employ a film? The film, in essence, is a fictitious contest in a courtroom setting with both the plaintiff and defendant having chosen to travel the toll road to justice by hiring attorneys rather than tread upon the free but snare-filled path carved out for them from the principals of their country’s forefathers. The case had only proceeded the length of a few definitions when it ended by the sudden appearance of a man’s upper body from which came words to the effect, “and this is why America has the greatest justice system in the world.” When the darkened room gave way to light, we were given to wait. Fortunately, before noon, a person grasping a paper list went before us and called out the names of 12 people who were then directed to stand and form a line at the side wall in preparation for an elevator journey of one floor. On the heels of their smoothly executed departure, we the remaining dozens, learned our movement to the same upward destination would be accomplished by huff and muscle. Minutes later, we rendezvoused in Courtroom 200, but owing to rules, sat segregated. The presiding judge, after extending a warm hello to all, was interrupted by the sound of a fire alarm. Everyone was then ordered to exit the building and remove themselves to the safety of the distant parking lot. Following reentry, the supervised trips to the second floor began anew. Trouble soon arose when, after having attained the summit of the stairs, the chaperone espied in the distance three of her charges milling about the door to the courtroom. Immediately after leaving two associates in control, hastened onward for the purpose of gaining control of, and administering a corrective to the erring. When her monologue had wound to its end, a dilemma appeared. Should the strays retreat over the 40 feet of separation to join the others, or should the others advance to them? Deeming this a matter requiring consultation, cell phone communication ensued between responsible personnel, the outcome of which was the decision for the many to move to the few. Minutes later, the court resumed and the auditions commenced in earnest. The judged proceeded to ask each candidate several questions, one of the most curious being, “do you have a bumper sticker on your car, and if yes, what does it state?” Eventually, the judged satisfied he had 12 impartial jurors, turned to the prosecutor and defense attorney and extended both the time necessary so they might contribute to the selection process by kicking out those individuals whom they found to be unfit. This they did to a total of six. In legal terms, the booting is termed “invoking attorney challenge.” Finally, the jury selection resulted in 12 acceptables being approved and the remainder of us discharged. I left vowing if ever again called upon for jury service, on the morning of my scheduled reporting, I would affix to the bumper of my car, a homemade, sentiment-packed, efficiency espousing sticker. By doing so, if then I reach the finalist group, I will have had the opportunity and obligation to reveal its content to a captive audience in a filled room. RAY LEWIS Corbin City