The National Center for State Courts, in “Preserving the Future of Juries and Jury Trials,” observed: “The jury system serves as a bulwark against tyranny. It confers legitimacy on the law. It injects community values into the adjudicative process… [by] promoting the common good, protecting individual liberty and dissenting voices, and holding wrongdoers accountable.”
King County Superior Court thanks the thousands of King County residents who have served as jurors. And for those who have not had the opportunity, we’d like to provide some insight into the process, correct some misperceptions, and share experiences from former jurors.
King County Superior Court sends out over 3,000 jury summonses each month to King County residents to serve as jurors in a criminal or civil trial. Most report virtually for the first stage of their jury service, where it is determined whether they are a fit to serve on their assigned trial. At trial, jurors listen to witness testimony, weigh credibility and evidence, and ultimately confer with each other (“deliberation”) toward a potential result (a “verdict”). We have seen jurors – even those who were initially reluctant – take this profound responsibility with the utmost seriousness and dedication.
Jury service is the most likely role residents will have in our justice system. And while some may consider this civic duty an inconvenience or a burden to be avoided, jury service is actually the cornerstone of democratic participation — where ordinary citizens can directly influence the administration of justice. Abraham Lincoln described it as “the greatest service of citizenship.” One former juror, Stephanie Cirkovich, observed that “collaborating and problem-solving with a team of randomly selected people to reach a conclusion that is fair and honest” creates a “special bond that develops between jurors … because you get to know your neighbors and community members that you may not otherwise meet.”
We recognize that exercising this “greatest service” may come at a cost to potential jurors, which is why we applaud those companies and organizations who help to minimize financial hardships to jurors by continuing to pay employees while they participate in this important civic responsibility. And we will continue to remove other barriers facing jurors. Many courts use virtual jury selection during the initial stage of jury selection, which provides a more efficient, flexible and convenient process for potential jurors. It also decreases expenses associated with parking, transportation, and childcare. Across the board, we hear gratitude for providing this Zoom option in certain trials, and, thanks to approval by the Washington State Supreme Court, we plan to continue this format.
King County Superior Court constantly strives to improve the process and provide a positive experience for jurors. Here are just a few comments and reflections from recent jurors about their experience:
“Being a juror was one of if not the most educational experiences of my life. I learned so much about everything from the judicial process to critical thinking and communication skills, introspection into self and others, [as well as] objectivity vs subjectivity… It is an opportunity I do not take for granted, a responsibility not to be taken lightly, and again, an opportunity I am thankful to have experienced as a member of your courtroom.”
“I’m thankful to have experienced this whole process (even though it was so difficult); it definitely confirmed my faith in our democratic system. My fellow jurors were all considerate and respectful people. Everyone contributed equally, and everyone was willing to listen to each other and thoughtfully consider what others had to say. It was actually pretty amazing!”
“Having to look at the facts and definitions in context of the law, personal feeling, belief, and emotion removed, AND work together to ensure we kept each other accountable to retain an unbiased approach was challenging yet rewarding. I think everyone should have this experience in their lifetime … “
These are real-life testaments to what Andrew G. Ferguson described in Why Jury Duty Matters: A Citizen’s Guide to Constitutional Action as constitutional acts and “reaffirmation of faith in democratic participation.” In this time of rising discord and concern about the rule of law and the status of our courts and government, please remember that your role as jurors remains critical to the preservation of our system of justice.
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Judges Andrea King Robertson and Mark A. Larrañaga are co-chairs of King County Superior Court’s Jury committee.
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