Jury Duty This Week, Murrieta? At Least You Won't Walk Home Empty-Handed

By City News Service:

RIVERSIDE, CA - Prospective and selected jurors reporting for duty at Riverside County courthouses Monday and the rest of the week will receive a special thanks from the Superior Court as part of "Juror Appreciation Week."

"We want each and every juror to know how much their participation and contribution to our American system of justice is appreciated." said Court Executive Officer W. Samuel Hamrick. "Juror Appreciation Week is a way to recognize jurors and thank them for their commitment to democratic ideals. The court appreciates their civic involvement."

This is the 19th year the court will observe Juror Appreciation Week, during which jurors receive pens and other items to commemorate the occasion.

In previous years, court officials have also taken the opportunity to remind jurors about their responsibilities and conditions of acting as triers of fact, including the prohibition against tweeting or text-messaging information on cases.

County Presiding Judge Harold Hopp said the centerpiece of American justice is "the right to a trial where (defendants) can be heard and judged by their peers."

He noted that a number of improvements had been made locally to lessen the burden on residents who commit to serving on a panel, including "one-day or one-trial service, plain-language jury instructions and new innovative technologies that enhance service through text and phone reminders."

More than 130,000 state residents serve on juries each year, according to the California Judicial Council.

State officials pointed out that roughly 80 percent of prospective jurors meet their obligations in one day and are excused.

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