Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson has announced that April 28 to May 2 will be celebrated as Jury Appreciation Week in Minnesota. During this period, courthouses throughout the state will organize events to honor jurors and express gratitude for their service.
“Jury duty is a cornerstone of our democracy, so we want to celebrate the vital role that jurors play in upholding justice and ensuring the fairness of our legal system,” Chief Justice Hudson stated. “I especially want people to understand the profound impact their service has on the judicial process and thank them for this service.”
Jury duty is described as more than an obligation; it is seen as both a privilege and a responsibility of citizenship. It allows individuals from varied backgrounds to engage directly with democracy and participate actively in the justice system.
The tradition of trial by jury is considered a fundamental protection of individual freedom in American society. It is enshrined in the Sixth and Seventh Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and applies to states through the 14th Amendment. It also appears in Article I, Section 4 of the Minnesota Constitution, which ensures the "right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate."
Juries are vital for a fair judicial process. They comprise impartial citizens who collectively decide case outcomes, offering a broad and diverse perspective that is free from individual prejudices. Jury duty empowers citizens to ensure the justice system remains accountable to the public, enabling all voices to be heard. It serves as a check against possible governmental or judicial overreach by ensuring transparent legal proceedings through jury-decided facts-based decisions.
This civic duty underscores everyone's entitlement to a trial by peers, promoting community responsibility in upholding justice. A diverse jury improves the fairness of verdicts based on facts and evidence, minimizing the risk of biased decisions.
Various events are scheduled throughout the week across Minnesota, including:
- In Goodhue, a Law Day table, quiz, and refreshments will be available on May 1.
- Hennepin County will illuminate the Lowry Avenue Bridge and the I-35 Bridge in special colors on May 2.
- McLeod and Sibley Counties will conduct mock trials with students from April 28 to May 2.
- An open house at the Otter Tail Courthouse is set for May 1.
- Ramsey County will have Judges Andrew Gordon and Jacob Kraus address the media regarding jury service on May 1.
- A jury service display will be present in Scott County Courthouse from April 28 to May 2.
In St. Louis County, multiple activities will occur:
- Judge Amy Lukasavitz (Carlton), Judge Steven B. Hanke (Cook & Lake), and Judge Michelle Anderson (Virginia) will discuss jury service with the media between April 28 to May 2.
- Judge Jill Eichenwald will talk about the importance of jury service in Duluth on April 30.
- Enger Tower in Duluth will be lit in red, white, and blue on May 1.
Additionally, Hibbing's Clock Tower and Virginia's City Hall will also display red, white, and blue lighting from April 28 to May 2.