13 April 2001
Juror Guide Debut: Available Statewide
A new tool to aid jurors in their important task is now available on-line. The Missouri Judiciary's website now features a "Juror Guide" for Missouri jury service. "We have the best judicial system in the world, " said Chief Justice William Ray Price, Jr. "The people who serve on juries deserve much of the credit for that. Their service should be rewarded; it should not be a burden."
The public agrees, according to the American Bar Association. The 1999 ABA survey found that 80% of Americans believe that the American justice system outranks all others. More than two-thirds of Americans believe juries are the most important part.
This website was designed to assist jurors, employers, and the public. They will find:
· Basics of jury service
· Answers to jurors' most common questions
· An overview of each step in the trial process
· Employer information
· A glossary of terms
· Information for each local jury office.
A new tool to aid jurors in their important task is now available on-line. The Missouri Judiciary's website now features a "Juror Guide" for Missouri jury service. "We have the best judicial system in the world, " said Chief Justice William Ray Price, Jr. "The people who serve on juries deserve much of the credit for that. Their service should be rewarded; it should not be a burden."
The public agrees, according to the American Bar Association. The 1999 ABA survey found that 80% of Americans believe that the American justice system outranks all others. More than two-thirds of Americans believe juries are the most important part.
This website was designed to assist jurors, employers, and the public. They will find:
· Basics of jury service
· Answers to jurors' most common questions
· An overview of each step in the trial process
· Employer information
· A glossary of terms
· Information for each local jury office.
For example, the guide explains how the jury pool is selected, provides helpful hints on materials to bring to the courthouse, defines those persons who are eligible and ineligible to serve on a jury, offers a preview of what a juror might expect, and indicates that the average trial in Missouri is about two days.
"The site's debut is another way to bring information to jurors, to make it as convenient to them as possible," said Tracy Synan, the Supreme Court's Communications Counsel, who oversaw the project. "We want them to know how much we appreciate the sacrifices it takes to be a juror and, in turn, to guarantee each and every one of us the right to a fair trial."
The website, a small part of Missouri's statewide court automation project, aims to benefit Missouri's 4-plus million potential jurors.
For more information, contact Tracy Synan, Communications Counsel, Supreme Court of Missouri, P.O. Box 150, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102; (573) 751-4144; or tracy_synan@courts.mo.gov.
"The site's debut is another way to bring information to jurors, to make it as convenient to them as possible," said Tracy Synan, the Supreme Court's Communications Counsel, who oversaw the project. "We want them to know how much we appreciate the sacrifices it takes to be a juror and, in turn, to guarantee each and every one of us the right to a fair trial."
The website, a small part of Missouri's statewide court automation project, aims to benefit Missouri's 4-plus million potential jurors.
For more information, contact Tracy Synan, Communications Counsel, Supreme Court of Missouri, P.O. Box 150, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102; (573) 751-4144; or tracy_synan@courts.mo.gov.
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