Sunday, June 10, 2007

Jurors wanted

The Boston Globe reports that courts in Suffolk County are heading toward a crisis because they are running out of prospective jurors. In Massachusetts, courts must wait three years before summoning citizens who have served, and three-quarters of those called never show up. I propose shortening that time to two years and following up on those who refuse to participate.

Unlike most people I've met, I enjoy jury duty. I've been on two cases and was dismissed from serving on a third because I knew the victim and defendant in that case. Being on a jury is an interesting and educational experience, and it was heartening to see how seriously my fellow jurors took their duty.

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