Serve Jury Duty Willingly

Yes, I served jury duty and I’m better because I did. It helped me understand what being a citizen of these United States entails.

While living in Portland, I received a notice to serve for a 20-day period during March 1976. At that time, I believe, we received about $10 a day.

I served 16 out of the 20 days and even was selected as jury foreman for one of the four or five cases I was on.

After 24 years, I can remember only two of the cases. One was a rape trial. The defendant was found guilty. The other one was a lawsuit against the Mount Hood Lodge owners, by a skier who was injured when he left the designated ski trail. He was not awarded the money he sought.

Is the jury system fair?

Only as fair as the objectivity of the members serving on the jury.

Only as fair as the objectivity of the judge who interprets the law and instructs the jury on their deliberations.

Only as fair as the objectivity of the lawyers presenting their case on behalf of their clients.

Only as fair as the truthfulness of the client who tells his or her story to his or her attorney, so the facts can be verified, interpreted, and presented to the jury and judge.

However, I must say, at this time in my life, I have been fortunate in that I have not had to go to trial, thus being in a position to experience to see if the jury system is fair.

Would I recommend jury duty? Yes, and I have done so many times over the past 24 years to men and women of all ages.

The jury is obligated to give a verdict according to the evidence presented. That is a great responsibility. I believe all citizens should willingly serve and not try to duck this important civic duty. We the people must hold our fellow citizens to a realistic standard of conduct. Cross the line and expect that your peers will judge you according to the offense.

The pool where the jury is obtained should be the area’s entire population, not just registered voters and motor vehicle owners.

I’m still waiting to serve in Spokane’s courts as a juror.