The laws that protect us are only as good as the members of juries who are willing to enforce them. Jury duty is the most important role of the American judicial system.
Only a jury can decide what our communities will allow or tolerate, making them the “conscience of the community”. While most employment lawsuits may never make it to a jury, you as an employee have the right to ask for a jury trial for your case.
Similarly, citizens are obligated to participate in the jury selection process when summoned to the courthouse. And, it is the highest civic duty one can provide.
The Importance of Jury Duty – The Collective Conscience
Jury duty is direct participation in our democracy. Chief Judge Juan R. Sánchez emphasizes, “We live in a system where no one could be deprived of life, liberty, or property without consulting the citizens, you directly.”
Jury duty is important because it is a civic responsibility that ensures the United States legal system reflects the values and judgments of its communities.
Judgment Among Peers
Judge Zia M. Faruqui highlights the significance of having a jury of peers saying, “Think about what it is; it’s called a jury of your peers because who better to judge you than people who have walked a mile in your shoes. It gives the system legitimacy; we are all invested in it.”
Jury service is a fundamental way our democracy effectively engages with its community. You must participate in jury duty as a citizen to help maintain the legitimacy and fairness of the judicial process for others, and yourself.
joint Decision-Making
The jury deliberation process is a collective one. As Judge Cynthia M. Rufe notes, “We have an amazing system where six or twelve jurors have to agree unanimously. They need to discuss the issues, be respectful to each other, and listen carefully to each other’s views.”
Jury duty’s collective decision-making process underscores the importance of civility and respect in reaching a fair verdict.
Indeed, Judge Cynthia M. Rufe reminds us of the Golden Rule saying, “Treat others how you want to be treated.”
What is the Role of Jurors?
Jurors are selected from a venire panel that is randomly chosen from the community. Attorneys and judges collaborate to ensure fairness and impartiality in their selection process in their role on the jury.
From here, all potential jurors are questioned to ensure they can be fair and impartial, reflecting the community at large.
The Voice of the Community through Evidence and Facts
Jurors serve as the ONLY fact-finders in legal proceedings, evaluating evidence and determining the facts of the case. Judges oversee legal matters, such as the admission of evidence, while jurors decide if the evidence meets the burden of proof.
In this way, jurors are the voice and conscience of the community in which they live, ensuring that justice is served while reflecting the collective values of society.
Ensure a Fair Legal System
Participation in jury duty is not only a civic duty but also a way to ensure the integrity and fairness of our legal system.
As Judge Martha Vázquez states, “It’s imperative that we reach out and make these communities know this is your courtroom. This is your legal system, both as a defendant and as a victim, and you must participate in order for it to be fair.”
By serving on a jury, citizens directly contribute to the administration of justice, embodying the democratic principles that underpin our legal system.
