Aug. 10, 2009 – Stressing that the right to a jury trial is “a fundamental component of the American and Wisconsin justice systems,” Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson has invited State Bar members to actively participate with others in the justice system as Wisconsin observes “Juror Appreciation Month” in September.
The Chief Justice launched the effort last year and the State Bar will join with Wisconsin courts in promoting events again in 2009 to publicly acknowledge the critical contributions jurors make to ensure that all Wisconsin citizens enjoy the right to trial by jury.
Each year, nearly 200,000 Wisconsin residents are summoned to serve as jurors and Juror Appreciation Month is a way for judges, court clerks, attorneys and others who work in the justice system to recognize the sacrifices they make when they set aside their work and personal lives to ensure that this cornerstone of American justice perseveres. Whether a juror serves in September or any other month, Juror Appreciation Month is an opportunity to both thank them for their service and to educate the public about the contributions they make.
Last year, state and county government officials, including twenty county boards, the governor, the state Senate and the state Assembly, formally proclaimed their recognition of and appreciation for the services rendered by jurors. Over 40 courts invited local dignitaries, former jurors and the media to participate in juror appreciation ceremonies. Many used pins, banners and posters to mark the event for the entire month and some distributed magnets, bookmarks, water bottles and other commemorative items to express their thanks to jurors.
Contact your local court administrator for promotional materials, including a program outline, activities, sample press releases, talking points, posters, banners, pins, bookmarks and other materials available to help make this a memorable event in your community. The juror appreciation initiative has also been endorsed by the ABA, which offers an on-line booklet suggesting a variety of other ways thank jurors for their service.
Jurors certainly deserve our thanks for the sacrifices they (and their employers and families) make when they take time away from work, family, school and other priorities to report for jury duty. Please join your State Bar colleagues in publicly thanking them for their service and in reminding all Wisconsin residents that “jurors serve justice and justice serves us all.”
Tom Solberg is the public relations coordinator for the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Rotunda Report is a new newsletter, issued once every two weeks, from the State Bar of Wisconsin that highlights legislative, judicial and administrative developments that impact the legal profession and the justice system. It is produced by the Bar’s Government Relations Team and is distributed free to attorneys, public officials and others who help shape public policy in Wisconsin. We invite your suggestions to make the Rotunda Report more informative and useful and we encourage you to visit our Web site for the most current information about justice-related issues.
© 2009, State Bar of Wisconsin
