英文短篇故事（纽约）83 Jury Duty near Chinatown (1)

The jury summons said to report at 8:45 a.m. to 111 Centre St. The courthouse was only a block from Chinatown. Russ joined the long line of people standing outside. The line moved slowly into the courthouse. Everyone went through the security check. Russ took the elevator to Room 1121. It was a big room. It had more than 100 comfortable padded chairs. The room filled up. At 9:20 the jurors watched a short film about jury duty. After it ended, a court employee entered the room. She welcomed everyone and gave a brief speech. She asked if anyone had questions. Many people did. She told a young father who was carrying his baby in his arms, "You have a beautiful baby, sir, but you can't bring your baby to jury duty." Another man said he was confused. "Sir, it's very simple. Can you serve today and tomorrow?" she asked.