The importance of the jury system

The jury system forms the foundation of the American justice system. Vital to our democracy and our system of checks and balances, the jury system is a long-standing, fundamental safeguard of our constitutional liberties and a cornerstone of freedom and justice.

While not perfect, the jury system is the best system yet devised—the one most likely to yield just, fair results. Because a jury consists of multiple people from diverse backgrounds, it can arrive at a better verdict than can one person acting alone.

Jury service is meaningful work. The decisions made by juries affect people’s civil and property rights and right to freedom, or even to life. Justice depends on the quality of the jurors who serve. The willingness of all who are summoned to serve is essential to ensure representative, impartial juries. Even those who do not eventually end up on a jury help maintain the system by coming to court.

Although jury service can be inconvenient or even a bit of a burden, it is a small price to pay for the privileges and protections of our government. With rights, come responsibilities. Jury service is a duty of citizenship, similar to paying taxes and voting. As partners and shareholders in the state and nation, government can only be what we make it. True patriots welcome the opportunity to serve.

Jurors owe it to their fellow citizens to perform this service seriously. The survival of your own right to trial by jury depends on the willingness of all to serve. If you were involved in a court action, you would want good, honest jurors.

Jury duty is also a legal obligation. Ignoring a summons can result in fines or even jail time.