Why do folks avoid jury duty? One reason is some, probably most people are just busy. Some people can multi-task. But, one juror learned the hard way that multi-tasking while sitting on a jury has consequences. Sallie Sue Smith was told she could not work on crossword puzzles while she should be listening and watching trial. Fine, she put the puzzle down. But, later during jury deliberations, she resumed working on her cross word puzzles.

The trial concerned a man who killed the mother of his child at Home Depot in Pensacola, Florida. The jury deliberations were acrimonious. There was shouting. Sallie said she can shout, too. Ms. Smith was in the minority of members. After five hours, the judge declared a mistrial, in part because one juror was working on crossword puzzles and presumably, not paying close attention.

But, Ms. Smith said she focuses better when she is doing her puzzles. See ABA Bar Journal report here.