California Courts Appreciate Jurors
Each year, millions of Californians serve their communities and put into practice a fundamental American ideal of justice: the right to trial by jury. Juror Appreciation Week is one way the courts thank these citizens for fulfilling their obligation and making the justice system work.
In addition, following are a few more ways California courts show their appreciation for jurors by making the civic right and obligation of jury service more convenient for its citizens all year round.
One Day or One Trial Jury Service
California has one-day or one-trial jury service. If not chosen for a jury panel after one day of service at the courthouse, a juror’s service is done for at least one year. If you are selected to serve on a jury, after the trial is over your service is also completed for at least a year and often longer. In fact, the majority of people who report for jury service serve for just one day.
One Postponement Allowed
California courts allow summoned jurors to postpone jury duty at least once. Rule 2.1004 of the California Rules of Court states that as long as the deferral is made under penalty of perjury in writing and in accordance with the court's local procedure, the jury commissioner should not require the prospective juror to appear at court to make the request in person.
Plain-Language Jury Instructions
The Judicial Council created legally accurate jury instructions that are readily understood by the average juror. The council’s advisory committees on jury instructions regularly review new case law and statutes and make recommendations to the council for updating the instructions. Use of the new jury instructions is “strongly encouraged” and are recommended unless a judge “finds that a different instruction would more accurately state the law and be understood by jurors.”
In addition, many courts have added new technologies to streamline jury service, such as check-in kiosks, online and phone check-in, and updates via text message.
Juror Appreciation Week
In 1998, the California Legislature designated the second full week in May to honor the sacrifices and contributions of citizens who devote their time and effort to "making the cherished right of trial by jury a reality and to raise awareness about their contribution to our courts."