I was a juror for a criminal case this week. I lost my mind with worry before the trial, but I survived. Our bailiff, who was in charge of guiding the jury, brought us snacks and lunch, and he was personable and kind. He said there was a lot of sadness in a courthouse, and he felt it was part of his job to cheer up the jurors. I was impressed by the judge’s demeanor and that he visited the jurors after the trial to thank us in person.
The people in the courtroom stood out of respect each time the jury entered and exited. I felt the gravity of our task each time this happened. The charge was a third degree felony, and we found the defendant guilty. Yes, this was a heavy responsibility.
Here is a small part of the thank you letter from the judge,
I appreciate your conscientious an dedicated service. I don’t extend this praise lightly, because jury service can be frustrating, exciting, disappointing and, at the very least, inconvenient. But now that you are a “seasoned veteran” of jury service, I ask that you encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to serve when they are summoned. The quality of justice that all of us enjoy in this country ultimately rests upon the quality of those who administer and participate in it.
Our jury system affords a greater protection of individual rights than any system of justice in the world. We can be proud that important questions of right and wrong, innocence and guilt are decided by everyday citizens speaking for the community…
Jury service is tremendously important, and should therefore demand the attention of the best in society. I hope that your juror service will produce a lasting memory that you will remember with a sense of pride.