Students in all of my courses have at some time or another been exposed to the common law jury system. Some argue that a strength of this system is the ability for everyday people to take part in the administration of justice. Yet, many Americans dread being called for jury duty.
In a recent Atlantic post, Andrew Guthrie Ferguson argues that Americans need to embrace, not dread jury duty. He writes:
A jury summons is an invitation to participation. Jurors are asked to involve themselves in some of the most personal, sensational, and terrifying events in a community. It is real life, usually real tragedy, played out in court. Jurors confront disturbing facts, bloody images, or heart-wrenching testimony. A jury may have to decide whether a man lives or dies, or whether a multimillion-dollar company goes bankrupt. A jury will have to pass judgment in a way that will have real-world effects on both parties before the court. This active role was not accidental. Participation in jury service teaches the skills required for democratic self-government. Being a juror lets you develop the habits and skills of citizenship.
