WHEREAS, the right to a trial by jury is one of the core protections of individual freedom in American society; and
WHEREAS, trial by jury is guaranteed in the Sixth and Seventh Amendments of the United States Constitution, applicable to the States through the Fourteenth Amendment, and in Article I, Section 4 of the Minnesota Constitution, which provides that the “right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate”; and
WHEREAS, 35,184 residents of Hennepin County summoned for jury duty were entered into the jury system are an integral part of the judicial process; and
WHEREAS, our courts depend upon residents to serve as jurors with the support of their employers; and
WHEREAS, service by residents as jurors is indispensable to the judicial system; and
WHEREAS, jury service is a privilege, providing the opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to have direct contact with our democracy and to actively participate in the justice system; and
WHEREAS, research shows that a diverse jury is essential to creating fairer trial outcomes – and Hennepin County is committed to continued work on increasing diversity in its jury pools; and
WHEREAS, a premier goal for the courts, the bar and the community at large is to ensure that jury selection and jury service are fair, effective and not unduly burdensome on anyone; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that we recognize, express appreciation to and applaud the unwavering commitment of past, present and future jurors who give their time and talents to serve on juries.