Remember that a dependent clause always contains a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand by itself. 1  Adverb clauses provide information about what is going on in the main (independent) clause: where, when, or why. 2  Adjective clauses work like multi-word adjectives. 3  Noun clauses can do anything that nouns can do.
An alternate juror is a spare, not unlike the spare tire for your car that rides along with you wherever you drive but is only used if one of your regular tires fails. Similarly, an alternate juror sits and listens to evidence just like the other jurors but only deliberates and votes if one of the sitting jury members is unable to serve.
If you ever get an opportunity to serve on a jury, it is a humbling and interesting experience. Don't be offended if you get excused during the Vior dire, it's just part of the process for an impartial jury. I had a rare opportunity to be on a jury, but even more rare was being selected as an alternate. One of my co-workers asked me if I was going to blog about it after the verdict was said and done, and I thought about it, and now I feel it is the right time to talk about it.