elpenguino:

 

I agree with handle9 (I think it was) who said this is the cost of keeping a functioning society running.

 

I agree with that concept, and had no problem with doing my bit by being on a jury (although admittedly it was my employer that paid the cost). But it's only the (employers of) people who actually serve on juries that pay the cost, whereas all of society benefits. And, when the court system doesn't pay the actual cost of juries, they don't value them, and treat prospective jury members like dirt.

Curiously, once you turn 65 you're no longer compelled to do jury service. Which seems odd... it's hardly a jury of your peers if you're a 65+ criminal. And 65+ people have much more personal experience to draw on than younger people, and (generally speaking) more time and less financial loss.