I just received notification that I will be called for jury duty. Given what I do for a living, I probably won't be selected, but I would gladly serve if needed. Other than our judges, trial attorneys like me probably know better than anyone how valuable jury service really is. Whenever I try a case, I always remind myself that the individual members of the jury have taken time away from their lives, jobs, and families to participate in the greatest system of justice in the world. It is an important and necessary sacrifice.
I recently read that an experienced federal judge has started a project designed to make things easier on jurors while recognizing the vital nature of the work that juries do every day in our courtrooms. Specifically, the judge has asked the legal community to adopt and respect a "Juror's Bill of Rights." Among the provisions of this Bill of Rights would be an acknowledgement that jurors have the right not to have their time wasted by lawyers who are unprepared for their cases, to be informed about exactly how long the case will last, and the right to a clear and understandable explanation of the law and their role in the case.
These are all great ideas and I know that I will be more aware of these issues the next time I have the privilege of stepping in front of a jury. To all those who have served on a jury and to all those who will serve in the future, your service is appreciated. Thank you.
;)
