Jury Duty

Monday, August, 23, 2004

Voice of the People

Voice of the People: Jury Duty

Oprah Winfrey’s serving on a jury is about one of the best shots in the arm for the justice system in Chicago and around the country. Aside from the obvious notion of the notoriety it brings to trial by jury in this country, it highlights the importance of juror duty.

An alleged murderer’s fate was at stake, but a three-day trial to hear the case was not that overbearing for those who sat in judgment.

It takes on particular significance, as the Tribune aptly pointed out in "Oprah and the vanishing trial" (Editorial, Aug. 18), because fewer cases are even going to trial in this country. Oprah’s presence in the courtroom could not have come at a better time, and it must stand for a positive force in the justice system. It must stand for everyone who gets a jury questionnaire to fill it out and serve if called upon, not to see if he or she can "get out of it."

A jury’s presence in a courtroom is a powerful force. Trial by jury is said to symbolize the importance and respect of individual rights. It represents a group of people who apply a measure of equity, fairness and impartiality to the proceedings. That is its political function. It serves an educational function as well in reflecting the current attitudes on issues confronting the American public, whether it be the standard of care in a civil case or the criminal conduct of an individual. Its decision must be honored.

Today’s cynical mistrust of the jury system serves no useful function. Jury duty is an awesome responsibility and one that certainly should not be taken lightly. It is a civic duty and an honor to serve.