As retold by Bruce Lowitt

After forty years, Bertha, the matriarch of the Kitzel family, finally gets her citizenship papers. The next day she proudly registers to vote. Three weeks later she receives a notice in the mail.

Bertha has been told to report for jury duty.

She shows up at the courthouse and isn't simply seated on a jury. She is selected the forewoman.

It's a criminal case. A man has shot his wife's lover, but has only grazed his arm.

After all the testimony, the jury retires to deliberate. Four hours later they return to the courtroom.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. Have you reached a verdict?" the judge asks.

"We have," Bertha says, rising and facing the judge. "We have decided their problems are none of our business."