WELCOME TO JURY SERVICE
You receive a jury summons in the mail. What's your initial reaction? Are you annoyed? Are you thinking, " I don't have time for this?" Are you hoping you won't be chosen? Those reactions are fairly normal, but should they be?
Next to voting, jury service is our most important civic duty. Juries potentially hold the power to decide the fate of a person's life. This is your opportunity to actively participate in the American judicial system--an opportunity that should not be taken for granted.
Our constitution guarantees each citizen the right to an impartial trial by a jury of our peers. Jurors help make the process work. The process-- and those participating in the justice system--must continue to evolve to allow full participation by all citizens. Our justice system is not perfect. The people act as a check on our justice system by ensuring a fair trial. The verdict doesn't rest with a solitary judge, tribunal or military junta.
But for our system to work we must participate. That means when we receive that jury summons, fill out the questionnaire and go to the courthouse for the selection process. Jurors who serve gain an appreciation for the American justice system and their role in it. So, when you receive your call to serve, do so with pride knowing your participation in the justice system does count.
The Clerk's job is to make your experience as easy as possible. We hope that the information provided in this section, will provide answers to commonly asked questions and make your service enjoyable.
Generosa Gracia-Ramon, Val Verde County Clerk