By Adam Liptak
THE NEW YORK TIMES
http://www.azstarnet.com/star/today/20825NJUROR-BILL-NYT.html
On Monday, a software consultant, David C. Williamson, will appear in federal court in San Antonio to settle a disagreement about a bill. The bill was from Williamson, for $16,800 - the amount he says the court owes him for setting aside time for jury duty.
He had received a summons in February telling him to appear in August. "Please keep your calendar free of any commitments during this month," it said.
Williamson, 51, promptly invoiced the court for 21 eight-hour days at $100 an hour, in advance. If he did not receive the full amount by late March, he wrote, he would require interest at 2 percent a month.
He wrote a few more times when his bill was not paid.
"I am sensitive to the terrible acts, which threaten the foundation of our country where we live and prosper," one letter said, apparently referring to the Sept. 11 attacks. "I am also sensitive to the needs of my family and the people around me, which depend upon me for their livelihood."
Norma Wagoner, the court's jury manager, said the request of Williamson was novel.
"This is the first invoice I've seen," she said, "and I've been here for 27 years."
Williamson emphasized that he was willing to be flexible. "If you would like to meet and discuss this, please have his honor call and schedule an appointment," he wrote to Wagoner.
Judge Fred Biery obliged.
"This court is happy to accommodate Mr. Williamson's suggestion for an appointment," Biery wrote, ordering him to appear on Monday on contempt charges.
"Although Mr. Williamson could live in a country which does not require jury service, such as Iraq, Cuba, North Korea or Russia, Mr. Williamson wants the benefits of American citizenship but apparently without fulfilling the responsibility," Biery wrote.
"Mr. Williamson's arrogant attitude is reminiscent of the Vietnam era appellation given to those who were all in favor of war so long as someone else made the military sacrifice. They were known as 'chicken hawks.'"
For some time, Biery has made a little speech to people who appear for jury selection. He apologizes for inconveniencing them. "I guarantee that no one in downtown Moscow is so inconvenienced," he says, according to a courthouse observer, who said very few prospective jurors ask to be excused after hearing the talk.
Williamson did not return calls seeking comment.
He told The San Antonio Express-News that he would appear at the contempt hearing but did not expect to prevail. "It's obviously become a testosterone deal," he said.