Jury Service Is Essential to Our Democracy By Mike Hachtman
In this election year, we’ll hear much about the importance of voting, but there are additional responsibilities that strengthen our democracy and protect our rights as citizens. It’s also critically important to answer the call for jury service.
Every citizen can contribute to fairness and balance in the civil justice system by serving on a jury when called. A robust jury system is essential to protecting our rights as Americans and ensuring all defendants are treated fairly in the courtroom.
Yet, in recent years, many people in Texas and around the country have avoided jury service. National research and previous studies have estimated that fewer than half of those called to serve in some areas of our state and nationally ignore their summons.
Such statistics are abysmal and don’t bode well for our civil or criminal courts. Why aren’t people answering the call?
The Pew Research Center found that only half of those ages 18 to 29 say jury service is part of being a good citizen, compared to 70 percent or higher in older age groups.
It’s difficult for defendants to receive a trial by a jury of their peers when their peers don’t show up. Courts depend upon citizens to serve as jurors, and all citizens should be encouraged to respond when summoned for jury service.
We all know time is money.
And over the past decade, more counties have been doing their part to make jury service as painless as possible, offering online scheduling that saves both jurors and courts time and money.
More recently, a new law approaching its one-year anniversary increased juror pay from $6 to $20 for the first day of service and $40 to $58 per day for those impaneled to serve for a trial. Thanks to state lawmakers who passed HB 3474 in the last legislative session, Texas now ranks among the states with the highest pay for jury service.
Serving on a jury is fundamental to our democracy, and jurors who respond when called will receive a pay increase for the first time in nearly 20 years. Texas has removed one more obstacle or excuse not to serve when summoned by increasing juror pay.
The U.S. and Texas constitutions guarantee the right to a trial by jury. A trial by a jury of your peers is a fundamental safeguard of each American's civil liberties and an important component of civic engagement.
Remember, it’s important not only to vote but also to serve on a jury. When summoned, answer the call.