West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals issued the following announcement on Nov. 16.
The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia is releasing a new jury orientation video and updated juror handbook in conjunction with a proclamation making November “Juror Appreciation Month” in West Virginia. The announcement will be made at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 17, in the Supreme Court Courtroom on the third floor of the East Wing of the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston. “Jury service is the cornerstone of the American justice system.
The courts of West Virginia, and indeed our nation, could not function without citizen juror participation,” said Chief Justice Evan Jenkins.
“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.” During Juror Appreciation Month and every day, the West Virginia court system extends its sincere gratitude to those citizens who served on a jury and ensured that right to trial by a jury is guaranteed for everyone in our communities. “We also thank the many companies, government agencies, school districts, and small businesses that encourage and support their employees when they are called to jury service,” Chief Justice Jenkins said. Justice Beth Walker said, “On behalf of all West Virginians, we celebrate the public service of jurors. Sometimes jury service is inconvenient and even challenging, but folks who serve on juries perform a crucial role in our state courts.” Justice Tim Armstead said, “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. We thank all jurors for fulfilling this vital public service.” “In my 23 years as a trial judge, I came to know the difficulties that jury service imposed upon the citizens of the state of West Virginia,” said Justice John Hutchison. “The judicial branch is the only branch of state government that requires the participation of the citizens of this state to meet the court's obligations under our Constitution. I think it is only fitting that all the jurors who have served in the past and those who will serve in the future be recognized for their sacrifice and dedication to the state of West Virginia."
Original source can be found here.
