... probably doesn't have a law degree.
You may not be a lawyer, but you may someday find yourself the most important person in a courtroom. Most of the other people in the courtroom won't even know your name -- but that's not important. What IS important is that someday you'll be called to serve as a juror, and the fate of someone's life or finances will be in your hands.
One day, you're busy with the details of your life -- work to do, deadlines to meet, responsibilities at home, errands to run -- then the next day, you're in a courtroom -- listening to lawyers argue and witnesses tell their stories.
Jury duty is an awesome responsibility. To honor jurors, the Supreme Court of Missouri, several years ago, established Juror Appreciation Week. It will be observed this year on April 27th through May 1st. During the week, judges, lawyers, and court clerks let jurors know the importance of their contribution to the courts and to their community.
Courts throughout the state will observe the week in different ways. Many will display a Missouri Bar poster (see above) that thanks jurors for doing their part. Some will provide special snacks for jurors. In other courts, judges will take additional time to thank jurors and acknowledge the significance of their service.
Curious about jury duty? Who serves? Who doesn't? Employers' responsibilities? Penalties for avoiding jury duty? Visit Missouri's Jury Guide
