Hizzoner The Juror

What with shutting down topless bars, keeping cars from getting gridlocked and mulling over a run for the Senate, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has a pretty full plate. But all of that is on hold, reports CBS News Correspondent Ed Crane, as the mayor begins jury duty.

The former federal prosecutor was selected Monday to be jury foreman in the $7 million personal-injury case of a man who is suing his landlord, claiming faulty plumbing caused him to scald his private parts while taking a shower.

Giuliani, who expected to be dismissed quickly from the pool of jurors, was shocked when his name was the first called.

"I was surprised, but I really want to comment on it as little as possible," said Giuliani. "I am gratified and very honored to serve and (am) actually looking forward to it after all these years as a trial lawyer."

He is believed to be the first chief executive to serve on a jury while in office.

Many politicians and celebrities have been called for jury duty since New York state approved a jury reform law in 1995 that did away with exemptions for lawyers and doctors, among others. The mayor was called for jury duty in 1996 but released two days later after he was not chosen.

Others who have been called but not selected are Gov. George Pataki, Spike Lee, Woody Allen, Richard Gere, Glenn Close and Sally Jessy Raphael.

Giuliani's selection "means no one is above the process," said New York County Clerk Norman Goodman, who oversees jury selection in Manhattan.

The lawsuit, filed by Oliver and Larene Johnson of Manhattan, seeks $6 million in damages from Riverton Associates for allegedly improperly maintaining the boiler and pipes in the couple's private East Harlem apartment complex. Larene Johnson is seeking an additional $1 million for loss of consortium.

"He was caused to sustain severe, protracted and serious personal injuries as a result of the negligence" of the owners, according to the lawsuit filed after the February 1995 incident.

Riverton Associates, which owns the complex, has denied the allegations.

"We're happy to have him as a member of the jury," said attorney James Miller, who represents Riverton.

Giuliani's aides were juggling his schedule so he could attend the trial during the day and conduct city business after court closes around 5 p.m. The trial is expected to last about a week.

"This is a very rewarding experience, I hope," the mayor said. "You never know."