24 April 2009

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri trial courts throughout the state will observe Missouri's Juror Appreciation Week next week, April 27 through May 1, to recognize jurors for their service and to remind jurors of their important contribution to their community.

"Juror appreciation week is the time when judges, lawyers and the larger community publicly thank the commitment of the tens of thousands of jurors who serve each year in the courthouses of our state," Chief Justice Laura Denvir Stith said. "We dedicate this week to them in acknowledgment of the great responsibility and honor they undertake as they perform their civic duty by serving as fair and impartial jurors. This integral part of the justice system is of the utmost importance to our democratic way of life and is a vital aspect of our government."

The participating courts will observe the week in different ways. Staff in many – like Barry, Boone, Buchanan, Butler, Jasper, Platte and Polk counties – will display a Missouri Bar poster in their courthouses and wear stickers that thanks jurors for doing their part. Others – such as Christian, Jackson, McDonald, Phelps and St. Louis counties – will provide special snacks and give jurors items including crossword puzzles and gift certificates. In Cooper County, the youth court will hold two mock trials on Friday, May 1, which is National Law Day. More than 200 students are expected to observe their peers conducting a trial before a jury of students during this activity.

Missouri is one of only a few states that hold a statewide Juror Appreciation Week. Its observance began in 2000 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri. For more information, please contact your local circuit court.