26
April
2023
|
14:53 PM
America/Chicago

Juror Appreciation Week celebrates the role of juries in Missouri courts

Celebration takes place May 1-7

Juror Appreciation Week twitter 2023The right to trial by jury is the only right that appears in both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  

While receiving a jury summons in the mail might elicit a sigh of frustration for some, The Missouri Bar – joined by judges, court personnel, and lawyers across the state – is thanking jurors during Juror Appreciation Week, held May 1-7. 

“In courthouses across the state, large and small, jurors are truly a pillar of democracy,” said Lauren Tucker McCubbin, 2022-23 Missouri Bar president. “We are grateful for jurors every day, but the first week of May is a formal moment of appreciation.” 

Courthouses throughout the state will observe the week in a variety of ways. Many courthouses will display a poster provided by The Missouri Bar. Judges also may take additional time to thank jurors and acknowledge the significance of their service. Even more Missourians can join the celebration and share photos of their activities on social media using #ThankAJuror. 

Missouri is one of only a few states that hold a statewide Juror Appreciation Week. The observance began in 2000 by an order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, which states, “Each year thousands of Missourians perform one of the most significant civic duties granted to citizens — they serve as fair and impartial jurors in communities throughout the state. To honor those citizens who have performed their civic duty, all Missouri courts are directed to observe Juror Appreciation Week…” 

The Missouri Bar is a statewide organization that is dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law, and the administration of justice for all Missourians. Created in 1944 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, it serves all 30,000 of Missouri’s practicing lawyers. The Missouri Bar provides a wide range of services and resources to its members, as well as the media, educators, and the citizens of Missouri. To learn more about The Missouri Bar, visit mobar.org and MissouriLawyersHelp.org.