Guest opinion: Jurors play vital role in justice system

By Judge Harold Clarke III and Spokane County Clerk Tim Fitzgerald

During these unprecedented times, it has been rewarding to watch our Spokane community come together and respond so generously to help their neighbors during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Local businesses and organizations need the support of the community to weather this storm. The pandemic has required many businesses to close and significantly disrupted governmental civil functions.

Essential government functions, especially the legal system, are reliant on the citizens of Spokane County to fulfill our constitutional mandates. Access to justice is an essential function and the Superior Court, along with the County Clerk’s office have remained open to serve the public.

One of the key functions provided by the court is the right to a jury trial in both civil and criminal cases. Jury trials are a critical constitutional guarantee and vital to public trust in the justice system.

Article III of the United States Constitution guarantees a trial by jury in criminal cases and the Sixth Amendment further clarifies, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.” Our own Washington State Constitution, in Article 1, Section 21, states, “the right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate …”

The Washington State Supreme Court suspended all jury trials in March in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. As of July 6, jury trials were allowed to resume. Spokane Superior Court has successfully completed several jury trials and is prepared to handle jury trials as they are scheduled.

The willingness of Spokane County citizens to appear for jury duty is fundamental to our ability to administer the justice system. Jury service at its core is a crucial part of the justice system and local in nature. It is one of the most important civic duties we do.

Our court is taking comprehensive steps to protect the health and safety of all jurors, integrating legal, medical and facilities experts in our planning to resume jury trials.

We are following the directions of local, state and national health officials. We have implemented CDC precautionary measures to include social distancing, masks, hand sanitizer stations, deep cleaning of court/jury rooms and many other safety protocols. We will continue to review and update our protocols as additional direction and information become available.

Jury service will look a bit different going forward, with new processes including smaller jury pools, meeting in larger spaces, use of protective equipment, fewer trials being conducted simultaneously and much more.

Our intent is to gain your confidence, reduce any anxiety and ensure jurors feel safe responding to the summons and reporting for jury service. Jurors come from a broad spectrum of the community and are key to just outcomes and trust in the justice process.

Jury trials are a cornerstone of the justice system. Court and clerk staff have juror safety as a top concern. They are available to answer any questions and concerns from the public about reporting for jury service. The public’s participation in jury duty is not only critical to our justice system, it is another opportunity to serve our great community.

Judge Harold Clarke III is the Presiding Judge of Spokane County Superior Court. Honorable Tim Fitzgerald is the Spokane County Clerk and Clerk of the Superior Court.