CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has released a new jury orientation video and updated juror handbook as well as proclaiming November as “Juror Appreciation Month” in West Virginia.
“We are proud to honor the citizens of West Virginia who respond to the call to serve on juries,” Chief Justice Evan Jenkins said during a ceremony November 17 ceremony in the state Supreme Court Courtroom.
Jenkins said jury service is the cornerstone of the American justice system.
Ashley
“The courts of West Virginia, and indeed our nation, could not function without citizen juror participation,” he said. “In 2020, 36,104 people, about 2 percent of West Virginia’s population, filled out juror qualification questionnaires. Jurors step away from their jobs and personal lives and devote their time and attention to helping our court system proceed the way the Constitution intended. Jury service is a right and a privilege.
Thank you to all West Virginians who have fulfilled this duty.”
Justice John Hutchison previously served 23 years as a circuit judge.
“The judicial branch is the only branch of state government that requires our citizens to participate to meet the court's obligations under our Constitution,” he said. “The jury system is the lynchpin of our type of government.”
Justice Tim Armstead noted how the last few years have been challenging for everyone, including the court system and jurors.
“The thing that has impressed me about jurors has been them getting to be comfortable,” he said. “They took the job seriously, and they showed up.
“Our Constitution guarantees the parties in criminal and civil courts have their cases decided by their fellow citizens from the communities in which they live. This is an important right, and an important civic duty on the part of jurors. Jurors make decisions that have serious consequences for those involved.”
Justice Bill Wooton said every citizen who lives in a democracy has duties. In addition to voting, he said those duties include paying taxes, providing national defense and serving as jurors.
“Jurors form the bedrock of the most basic constitutional right,” he said. “The entire judicial system would fail but for the service of our state’s citizens.”
Fifth Circuit Judge Anita Ashley also spoke during the event. She recalled the first jury trial she ever witnessed was a paternity trial before the advent of DNA testing. She remembered the child being held up in court and jurors deciding whether the baby belonged to the defendant.
“It takes a lot of courage to serve on a jury,” said Ashley, who presides over the circuit that includes Calhoun, Jackon, Mason and Roane counties. “Countless jurors have told me afterward what a great experience it was to serve.”
Kanawha Circuit Clerk Cathy Gatson talked about the key role those in her job play in the jury process. They serve as jury administrator as well as provides juror orientation, creates lists of jurors, sends out notices and makes sure they’re compensated for mileage.
“It’s one of the most enjoyable parts of my job,” she said.
Justice Beth Walker was unable to attend Wednesday’s ceremony, but she also praised jurors.
“On behalf of all West Virginians, we celebrate the public service of jurors,” Walker said in a statement. “Sometimes jury service is inconvenient and even challenging, but folks who serve on juries perform a crucial role in our state courts.”
The 10-minute jury orientation video was filmed in July in the Kanawha County Judicial Building, replacing a 19-minute video that was more than 30 years old and featured late actor Raymond Burr. Supreme Court staff also updated the existing handbook.
Judges, magistrates, and clerks may choose to use the video and handbook in conjunction with their own jury orientation programs. Both are posted on the Jury Information section of Supreme Court website.
