Verdict’s in: Old jury duty video’s out

OLYMPIA – It’s one of the most-viewed films in state history – and no one has ever bought a ticket.

After an 18-year run, Washington is retiring “Welcome to Jury Duty,” a dour staple of civic responsibility narrated by actor Raymond Burr, TV’s Perry Mason.

The 1987 film is seen by about 10,000 potential jurors a year in Spokane County, plus thousands more in superior, district and municipal courts across the state.

“You’re talking close to 400 courts,” said Rick Coplen, an analyst with the state Office for the Administrator for the Courts.

The original film masters had decayed beyond use, he said, and some jury procedures had changed.

But a big part of the reason for its demise, according to court officials: the film’s too bleak.

It covers the history of jury duty, starting with ancient Greece, the Magna Carta and Pope Innocent’s condemnation of trial by ordeal. Viewers are treated to scenes of medieval floggings, and told that jurors were once denied food or water until they reached a verdict.

The replacement video was shot for $19,000 in two days in a Snohomish County courtroom. Virtually all the actors were volunteers.

“I put out a casting call,” said Coplen, who cast himself as a juror. “I would have taken them from anywhere. The pay wasn’t much and neither was the food.”

The new video premieres at a judge’s conference Sept. 18.

Some court workers say they’ll miss Burr’s weekly appearance. The actor died of cancer in 1993.

“In the TV show, he was always so proper and honest,” said Judy Ottoson, Spokane County’s jury coordinator. “His integrity kind of shows through on that video, and I think that rubbed off on jurors.”