Every citizen can do his or her part to bring fairness and balance to the civil justice system by serving on a jury when called. By interpreting the facts and returning an impartial verdict, jurors make sure our courts are being used for justice, not greed.
Americans seem to support our country's jury system 69 percent of those surveyed by the American Bar Association said they consider juries to be the most important part of their legal system.
But, when called to serve, many evade their jury summons.
In the largest counties in Texas, less than 25 percent of those called for service actually show up. A report by the American Legislative Exchange Council found the refusal rate nationwide was greater than 90 percent in some urban areas.
Jurors themselves have said more citizens would participate if counties would provide parking reimbursement, better juror pay, childcare services and more education about jury services.
Local and state officials are listening. As of Jan. 1, 2006, juror pay across the state increased from $6/day to $40/day after the first day of jury service.
While steps can be taken to encourage jury participation or make it easier to serve, response rates won't improve until each citizen takes this responsibility as seriously as our founding founders did when they created our system of justice.
