This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I enjoyed reading Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant's April 28 commentary "Been called to jury duty?" Durrant explains the jury process, asks people to consider giving jury service when called, and thanks those who have generously served. As a judge who appreciates his remarks, I thought I would read in the online "comments" what others thought.
I was disheartened, but not surprised, by many of the comments. Though I do not believe they reflect the view of the majority, they are similar to comments I have often heard in court and elsewhere: How can we be expected to serve on a jury when they pay $18.50 for the first day of service? How can I make rent and my car payment if I have to miss work for a mere $18.50? My job or other activities are just too important for me to serve.
Jury service is a cornerstone of our judicial system and our democracy. The jury system safeguards individuals from potential government abuse. Individuals charged with a crime can be tried by a jury of their peers, rather than by a judge, who is, at the end of the day, a government employee.
This right was thought so important that it was included in the Bill of Rights and has also been included in the constitutions of the several states. It is this right that separates our judicial system from much of the world. Yet, what good is this right if individuals are unwilling to serve?
We are not asked to serve as jurors because it is financially advantageous. We are not asked to serve only when, and if, it is convenient. We should feel compelled (and honored) to do so because it is our constitutional obligation as citizens. According to some sources, more than 1.2 million U.S. soldiers have lost their lives defending our freedom. More than 55 million have been wounded. In light of these sacrifices, can we legitimately say that we could not give one day of service because the cost is too high?
In his first inaugural address in 1789, George Washington told Congress that he would not accept payment for being president:
"When I was first honored with a call into the service of my country, then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its liberties, the light in which I contemplated my duty required that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From this resolution I have in no instance departed; and being still under the impressions which produced it, I must decline as inapplicable to myself any share in the personal emoluments which may be indispensably included in a permanent provision for the executive department ... ."
George Washington did not ask what was in it for him.
In response to those who would deride the chief justice's comments, I would remind them of President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address: "And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."
Is one day of jury service really too much to ask?
Paul C. Farr is a justice court judge for Herriman and Lehi.