05/07/2018
Civic Engagement
When the Pilgrims left England in search of the New World, they brought with them the common law system that depends on the participation of citizens during trial. The collection of citizens who participate in the trial is commonly referred to as the jury.
The first jury trial in the American colonies occurred in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1630. Nearly 400 years later, the jury trial is still a cornerstone of the American judicial system.
Section 62.102 of the Texas Government Code lists who is eligible to serve on a jury. To serve on a jury in Texas, a person must:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be a citizen of this state and a resident of the city in which s/he is to serve as a juror;
- Be qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in the county in which s/he is to serve as a juror;
- Be of sound mind and good moral character;
- Be able to read and write;
- Not have served as a juror for 6 days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding 6 months in the district court;
- Not have been convicted of, or be under indictment or other legal accusation for, misdemeanor theft or a felony.
The beauty of the jury system is that members of a community are able to come together to mete out justice to their peers. This, however, is only possible when those who are called to serve on juries are actually willing to do so. It is a sad fact, however, that many people are unwilling to serve on juries. They look for ways to get off of juries or they ignore their jury summons. This, of course, is problematic for the system because when community members refuse to serve, they dilute the diversity of the jury panel. Thus, lessening the likelihood that the jury will actually reflect the community that is supposed to make it up.
It is an honor to serve on a jury, and it is my hope that more people recognize and live up to their duty to serve.