The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary is set to observe Juror Appreciation Week from April 28 to May 2. This initiative aims to express gratitude to jurors and emphasize the crucial role jury duty plays in maintaining a democratic society.
“When people come together on a jury to decide a case, they play a vital role in upholding the rule of law,” remarked Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald. “We are deeply grateful to those individuals who answer the call to serve.”
It is common for individuals to feel hesitant about serving due to potential disruptions to their work and family life. However, many judges report that jurors often find the experience both meaningful and rewarding.
Jeffrey Crabtree, former circuit court judge in Honolulu and current director of the Judiciary’s Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, stated, “It is one of the purest forms of democracy. We call together 12 regular people and say we need you to make a really important decision. Then they work together by themselves, and they figure it out. I think that going through that is an amazing experience.”
Circuit Court Judge Paul Wong echoed this sentiment, saying, “Those juries make the best decisions, better than any decisions that I could make. So, I tell them that. They are the best judges and we really appreciate them judging cases. There’s no justice and no justice system without juries. It is the finest way to achieve justice on the planet Earth."
Juror Appreciation Week in Hawaiʻi coincides with the national celebration of Law Day on May 1. During the week, jurors reporting for duty at Kaʻahumanu Hale in Honolulu will receive a warm welcome from judges and Judiciary staff. A banner thanking them for their service will be displayed, and they will be offered a small snack as a token of appreciation.