Do Your Duty

My grandmother always wanted to serve on a jury. Perhaps that was because, as a black American, for most of her life, she was barred from serving. Unfortunately, even after black folks were allowed to serve, she was never called. She would have been a good juror. She understood the value and purpose of juries and would have taken her duty and responsibility seriously. I will strive to do the same when I have jury duty in February. I know my husband took his responsibility seriously when he served a few years ago.

If you are called to serve, think carefully about your activities and limitations, and the jury obligation and its role in our judicial system before trying to defer. Consider these resources:

* Consider the various types of justice and how they may apply in the case at hand.
* Use the tips to prepare for deliberation.
* Make sure you understand your employer's policy on leave for jury duty.
* Remember to respect your fellow jurors.
* Be sure to dress appropriately for jury duty. You'll want to be comfortable.

Participation in a jury is one of the ways you can contribute to a more just society. The duty is not to be ignored or taken lightly. So next time you are summoned for jury duty, do your best as you serve and work toward a just verdict.

"Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough." - Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd US President (1882-1945)