As retold by
Bruce Lowitt
After forty years, Bertha, the matriarch of the Kitzel family, finally gets
her citizenship papers. The next day she proudly registers to vote. Three weeks
later she receives a notice in the mail.
Bertha has been told to report for jury duty.
She shows up at the courthouse and isn't simply seated on a jury. She is
selected the forewoman.
It's a criminal case. A man has shot his wife's lover, but has only grazed his
arm.
After all the testimony, the jury retires to deliberate. Four hours later they
return to the courtroom.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. Have you reached a verdict?" the
judge asks.
"We have," Bertha says, rising and facing the judge. "We have
decided their problems are none of our business."
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