- Jury duty is actually one of the most fundamental aspects of U.S. democracy...
At some point, you might be asked to attend jury duty, and while TV shows make it seem like you’ll be diving head-first into a 10-week murder trial, most jury duty is over and done within a day or two.
Most people think jury duty is just an annoyance at most, but it’s actually a great way to be involved with the democratic process. You, and your fellow jurors, are responsible for providing everyone with access to a fair trial, which feels like a lot of pressure. But, if you’ve been summoned, here’s everything you need to know.
Do I have to serve on a jury?
Yes. If you’re summoned for jury duty, generally speaking, you should serve. The right to a trial by jury is one of the fundamentals of a democratic nation like the US. This right ensures that individuals, companies, and mega-giant corporations all have an equal chance of justice. Part of this right, however, is that everyone who can serves as a juror.
When summoned, you may be required to take part in Voir Dire. This process is where you’ll have back and forth conversations with lawyers from the case in order to see if you’re a good candidate for this particular trial. Just about everyone has some level of bias or judgment, which means some are better suited to certain cases than others. If you’ve been chosen from this process, it’s because you’re a good fit for the case and should try to participate as much as possible.
Why have I been chosen to be a juror?
You don’t have to have any particular specifications to be a juror. When creating a jury, judges, lawyers and defendants will look for people who can listen to the evidence without judgment and apply the law to it objectively. Jurors need to be open-minded, honest, and unbiased.
Does anyone actually want to serve as a juror?
There are plenty of people who are excited by the prospect of being on a jury, perhaps due to the TV’s depiction of the biggest cases. Brown and Crouppen Kansas City find that most people end up enjoying the process and want to do as much as they can to participate.
I think I’m too biased to be a juror
Everyone has their own biases, but most people are aware of these beforehand. When becoming a juror, you may realize that you find it too difficult to put aside these biases. As such, you may be asked to resign from the position. However, even if you think you are too biased, if you are able to put these judgments aside for the sake of a fair trial, you should be okay.
What if I don’t turn up?
Ignoring a jury summons does have consequences. If you do not respond, you could even find yourself with an arrest warrant or fine. If you have an emergency or extenuating circumstances that would stop you from serving, it is still important to try and contact the court to let them know. In this situation, the judge can excuse you and reschedule your summons.