95 percent of the world’s jury trials are held in America. Our jury system is one way American society guarantees the rights of its citizens when on trial, either in civil or criminal court. The American jury system may not be perfect, but it’s the best the world has to offer… unless juror don’t answer their jury summons.

We all hope we’ll never need a jury of our peers, but somebody needs a jury every single day. In 2014, more than 70,000 Missourians reported to jury duty in state courts. Many more reported to duty in federal courts. April 27 through May 1, 2015, is Juror Appreciation Week in Missouri. Juror Appreciation Week 2015 is the 15th annual event which recognizes the important service jurors provide to the Missouri court system. The Missouri Supreme Court first recognized Juror Appreciation Week in 2000. The original Order of the Court states that:

“Each year thousands of Missourians perform one of the most significant civic duties granted to citizens — they serve as fair and impartial jurors in communities throughout the state. To honor those citizens who have performed their civic duty, all Missouri courts are directed to observe Juror Appreciation Week…”

Missouri Bar President Reuben Shelton said the right to trial by a jury is one of the fundamental guarantees included in the Bill of Rights.

“I know that reporting to jury duty can be inconvenient to our lives,” Shelton said. “But in order to advance justice, we must all show up when called upon so that our juries are truly representative of our communities. We thank the more than 70,000 Missourians who reported to jury duty last year and believe their service will help others recognize that jury service is fundamental to upholding our constitution and democracy.”

Thomas Jefferson said “I consider trial by jury as the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” We agree completely. as trial lawyers, that the right to a jury trial is important to our clients.

My high school’s motto was “Freedom with Responsibility.” As a teenager, it was easy to make fun of the motto. As an adult, and as a trial lawyer, I so easily see its wisdom. The small burden of jury service is a small price to pay for the privileges and protections we enjoy. To whom much is given, much is required. Our judicial system depends upon the jurors who serve. The next time you get a jury summons, take the time to participate and do your part. The American justice system is the envy of the world… but it only works when we do our part.

At Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, we are trial lawyers, seeking to protect the rights of our clients and to seek compensation for our clients when they have been wronged. Without jurors, we would be unable to do our part. We thank those who have served, and will serve as jurors in the future, for their service to the legal system and to the country.