Juror Appreciation Week celebrates the role of jurors in Missouri courts

This April 25 to May 1, judges, lawyers, and court clerks from across the state are taking time to thank the thousands of Missourians who, each year, report for jury duty. The special recognition takes place during the annual Missouri’s Juror Appreciation Week, when court staff and legal professionals will emphasize to jurors how important their contributions are to our courts, communities, and legal system.

“Juries and the individuals who serve on them constitute a cornerstone of the American system of justice,” said John Gunn, 2020-21 Missouri Bar president. “Juror Appreciation Week is a time we can collectively pause and say, ‘thank you’ for showing up and contributing to justice by performing this civic duty.” 

More than 50 courthouses throughout the state will observe the week in different ways. Many will display a poster provided by The Missouri Bar thanking jurors for answering the call. Judges also may take additional time to thank jurors and to acknowledge the significance of their service. Other activities include special ceremonies and official proclamations marking the event. 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…”

Visit The Missouri Bar’s website to learn more about Juror Appreciation Week or take a quiz to test your knowledge on jury service.

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.