National pressure to restrict our Constitutional right to a jury trial in civil cases is running rampant in state and federal law-making bodies.

It is claimed that juries make bad decisions or are out of touch with the public’s view of justice.

Have you ever been on a Minnesota jury? Were you part of a jury-gone-wild scenario? Maybe you’ve talked to a friend or family member about their jury service. Did they feel that they had performed an important function in our system of justice?

It is interesting that the people I have talked to on Minnesota juries felt that they had made an important contribution to the justice system. They saw first-hand that their voice can and did make a difference in the decision.

The fact is that juries consist of citizens like you and me. They hear the evidence in the case and make a decision. Who then fears the jury? Perhaps it is those with something to hide or is seeking to avoid responsibility for their actions. Minnesota citizens make wonderful, responsible jurors and are an intgral part of the justice system. Help us send a message to your elected officials that they better not mess with our jury system.

Tags: No Comments