Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas

October 22, 2009

Jury duty.  Two words in the English language that send people searching for an excuse.

It takes time away from work and family. And, really, it’s not convenient.

But jury duty is a service we can all provide our community and we should all answer the call when summoned.

Texas Governor Rick Perry has declared November Jury Service Awareness Month and Central Texas Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse is working to raise awareness that while dubbed a “duty,” serving on a jury is a right and a privilege we want to encourage all eligible citizens to embrace.  By returning an impartial verdict, jurors make sure our courts are used for justice, not greed.

Clearly, voters agree. Surveys consistently show that voters believe everyone should answer the call when asked to serve.  Unfortunately, while we talk the talk, we clearly don’t walk the walk.

Research shows that only about 20 percent of people called to jury service actually show up. That means a whopping 80 percent are virtually ignoring that little piece of paper telling you where and when.

Scofflaws beware. Texas lawmakers this year passed a new law that increased the maximum fine for skipping service from $100 to $500 dollars.  This follows changes a few years ago that increased juror pay from $6 to a minimum of $40 per day after the first day of service – a 500-plus percent increase.  Lawmakers provided the carrot, now they are wielding a stick.

And with good reason.  Juries are the most important part of our legal system. Jurors decide guilt or innocence.  In lawsuits, jurors determine who is right and who pays damages.  If you were sued or charged with an offense, wouldn’t you want to be judged by a competent, highly qualified jury?

If jurors avoid jury service, the quality of justice we receive, as plaintiffs or defendants in a lawsuit, will be diminished. In addition, by interpreting facts and returning an impartial verdict, jurors make sure our courts are used for justice, not greed.

Justice oftentimes ultimately depends upon the jurors who serve in our courts. . Our responsibilities as jurors are enormous. The next time you are summoned, answer the call and take a seat on a jury.