Nearly 25 years ago, I served on two federal cases in Los Angeles. Back then, your "duty" was for 60 days -- You kept coming back until either you were chosen for a case or the 60 days had passed.
The first was a criminal case about a man who had sold a bunch of property out in the desert by telling folks that a new international airport would be built out there. It was a pretty cut and dried example of fraud, with his guilt clear for us by the end. What made it interesting was that, because I lived over 100 miles away, I was staying with my mom each night -- and she lived in that same desert valley! I had to assure the judge that I wouldn't read any newspapers or watch any local news at night.
The second civil case was almost comical. This guy worked on one of those big tanker ships and claimed that the water onboard made him sick. During the course of the trial, the defense presented evidence about where the water on these ships comes from. All of it -- for drinking, machinery, showers/toilets, etc -- all is distilled from sea water. Yup, he was getting "sick" from the same distilled water that everyone else was drinking/using. He didn't seem too bright, so I think somebody gave him the mistaken idea of suing for damages.
I was working for a university at the time, so I received my usual salary (but had to turn over my daily payment). I did get to keep the small additional payment I was given to partially cover my lodging/travel expenses (which, of course, were $0 since I was staying with my mom).
I've gotten summonses (sp?) to local municipal and superior courts many times over the years, but have never made it past sitting in the courtroom waiting to be chosen. As before, the payment wasn't much (and, as before, my current employer -- another university -- makes up the difference). There really should be some way to mandate that all employers do something like this; people should not have to suffer economic hardship because of their jury service.
I really wouldn't mind being serving again for this simple reason: innocent people DO get charged with crimes they didn't commit; it happens all the time. If I were in their shoes, I would want someone like me -- reasonably intelligent, open-minded, unbiased -- to sit in judgment of them.
I derive great satisfaction being a citizen in this country (despite some of the truly stupid/awful things its leaders have done in my name) and I believe with all my heart that it is my duty to participate, to be informed, and yes, to serve on juries when called.
Whenever I do get called, I make sure to bring change for the soda machine, a fresh book, and my knitting (never had anyone challenge me about the needles). Time passes pretty quickly that way.
Sorry to be so long-winded!