A right and a responsibility

I was summoned to perform jury duty. There is a number to call the day before to see if you'll be needed. The two previous times, I didn't even have to go in. This time I was required. My venue was the Framingham Court House, a half-hour drive away. Fairly small, red brick, under renovation. Only one person was staffing the security area and it took a long time. Even though he x-rayed my little backpack and had already told us to remove food and water before the x-ray machine, he unpacked the whole thing. Very thorough. We were checked in one by one and given our juror numbers. We watched a 20 minute video that was actually pretty inspiring - the history of jury trials, shout-out to John Adams, and multiple prideful references to how well we do things in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Little remarks from judges and past jurors about how this is direct participation in the justice system. Explanation of all the procedures. Then we waited some more. We had been told by the court officer that there were five possible cases today. Massachusetts has a one or one jury system - you have to be there for one day if not needed or one whole trial if you are seated on the jury. The previous system was much more onerous. After an hour and a half or so, the judge showed up to tell us that 4/5 cases were settled without trial and the 5th person wanted just the judge, not a jury, so we were free to go. Employers are required to pay you for jury duty days. Forms confirming your service will be mailed. Not relevant to me, to I didn't pay too much attention.