Jury Duty
The Vital Role of a Juror in Our Justice System
The most powerful person in the courtroom is a juror. Our judicial system was founded on the idea that the jury, and the jury alone, is the best decider of truth Each juror is charged with the responsibility of sorting through the evidence and finding the truth so that there may be justice for those who have suffered a loss.
The obligation to sit as a juror is as critical to our country’s liberty as the obligation to take up arms and defend it. There are no “big” or “small” cases. The right to a jury of one’s peers is so important that all matters before a jury are “big” enough for men and women to have fought and died for the right to a jury trial.
The last thousand years of the development of “English Law,” which is the basis for our country’s civil justice system, has been marked with turmoil and strife with one of the most hard fought for points in the conflict being the failure of the King to provide for a trial by jury. Indeed, when The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, it listed several specific reasons for absolving “all allegiance to the British Crown.” Prominent among those reasons for the Declaration of Independence was the failure of the King to provide for a trial by jury.
The Jury’s Role: Protecting Our Constitutional Rights
The Constitution of the United States of America grants certain powers to the three branches of government, whether the assaults are from a tyrannical government or a giant corporation, our Constitution, steadfastly rises to protect each person’s fundamental rights.
But the real brilliance of the Constitution of the United States is that it provides additional and specific safeguards between the powerful and the weak; between the fortunate and the unfortunate; between the rich and the poor.
Of all the additional and specific constitutional protections, the most important is the assurance of having our grievances heard by a jury of our peers. Jurors, and jurors alone, are able to secure our constitutional protections in today’s courtrooms. Neither the attorney nor the victim of a crime can deliver justice. The Judge is merely the referee to help a trial be fair. Only a jury, solemnly sworn to uphold the laws and constitutions of the State of Florida and the United States of America without favor or bias, can protect the weak from the strong, the impoverished from the well-connected, and the powerless from the powerful.
The role of the juror is to listen to all the evidence and reach a fair judgment. It seeks the truth. It and it alone decides what is true, fair and just. It does so without regard to status or position. The jury is the last refuge in the modern world where everyman may come to receive justice.
The jury is the cornerstone of democracy.
The Importance of Jury Selection in a Fair Trial
The number of people on a jury depends on what kind of case is at issue. Civil cases require six jurors while criminal trials require between six and twelve, depending on the nature of the crime. In all cases, the selection of a jury is one of the first things done in the courtroom. The jury is selected by the attorneys on both sides after each are allowed to question prospective jurors.
Some jurors find it odd, even insulting, that before the trial begins, attorneys from both sides will question potential jurors about a wide range of topics to find jurors who likely will be impartial. It should be obvious, for example, that an insurance agent as a juror may have trouble being fair to a company he or his family works for.
There are many other, backgrounds and beliefs that would make it impossible for a juror to be fair in one trial while he or she may be the most fair in another type of case.
The jury selection process by which the final panel of jurors is selected is not meant, by either side, to offend anyone. That is the last thing wanted by either. However, there is a legitimate period of questioning and answering to determine if, in that particular case, a juror may or may not be able to render an independent verdict.
Once the jury of six or twelve has been selected, the case then proceeds to trial.
Jury Duty FAQs
ANSWER: Jury duty can last anywhere from a single day to several weeks, depending on the case.
In many jurisdictions, jury selection takes just one day, and if you’re not chosen, you’re excused. However, if selected for a trial, the length varies based on the complexity of the case. Short trials may last a few days, while more complex cases can extend for weeks or even months. Courts often provide an estimate of trial duration during the selection process.
ANSWER: Jury selection typically lasts one to two days, but it can take longer for complex cases.
During this process, potential jurors answer questions from attorneys and the judge to determine their impartiality. While many people are dismissed within a day, high-profile or complicated trials may require more extensive questioning, leading to a longer selection period.
ANSWER: You are required to bring your jury summons and a government-issued photo ID.
These documents verify your identity and confirm your eligibility to serve. Some courts may also require additional paperwork, such as proof of employment or a hardship request if you are seeking an exemption. It’s best to review your summons for specific instructions, as failing to bring required items could result in rescheduling or penalties.
ANSWER: You can bring books, magazines, electronic devices (if permitted), and snacks to pass the time during jury duty.
While waiting during the selection process, most courts allow personal items like reading materials, headphones, or small snacks. However, once selected for a trial, restrictions may be tighter—some courts prohibit electronics in the jury deliberation room, and food may only be consumed during breaks. Always check your court’s rules to ensure compliance.
