Jury Duty

Serving on a jury is a civic duty and an American tradition. However, some people view jury duty as a chore or as an event that negatively interrupts their lives. Some independent studies have shown that even jury duty has a devastating effect on married life. Due to this and other extraneous situations, there are only a few people who actually want to serve on a jury. This may lead to efforts by potential jurors to, in some way get out of their duty in a jury. What we know of as the current jury duty system should be changed so citizens are not forced to serve in this capacity and can still be regarded as a responsible civilian. As per the status quo, a trial jury is a constitutional right, a jury of ones peers or equals. However, ordinary people with little or no formal knowledge of the law should not be allowed to make a decision that would change a person's life.

In order to be seated as a juror, a variety of trial lawyers will ask questions to each perspective juror. If the juror seems to fit the profile of the "perfect juror," it is likely that in the current system that this person will sit on the jury. More often than it should, this means that because someone has the same beliefs as the trial lawyers, they will be selected because they will most likely be sympathetic to the correct client. Even though most of the time it is the evidence that convicts, the law should also be considered when jury reaches a verdict. It is a struggle to have Twelve people, with different personalities and beliefs come to a just vote for conviction or acquittal, especially with little to no background in the practice of law.

The current system has many unforeseen flaws. It is not the best. It is possible for jurors to lie so...

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...capable, cannot acquit himself of judging amiss." (John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding) In this quote, British poet John Locke expresses strong feelings also expressed in Matthew 7:1 of the Bible: "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Although both are writing from slightly different viewpoints, and express their feelings in slightly different ways, they are expressing the common concern similar to many throughout the history of mankind. Each man's fate should not lie at the feet of another man's opinion. All of history must answer for the actions surround decisions made, good and bad, that effects the lives of those closest to these choices. This punishment or reward will so far surpass any manmade idea of correctional auctions. Take heed, and understand the consequences of all auctions. Every choice has a consequence. What will yours be?