Q. With Public Service Recognition Week being held in May, what is an example of public service that often goes unnoticed?
A: One critical public service that often goes unnoticed is serving on a county, circuit, or federal jury. It is a vital civic duty that empowers local residents to uphold justice and protect citizens’ rights through fair and impartial trials.
Q. How does jury duty reflect public service?
A: Jurors play a direct role in protecting our rights and maintaining the integrity of our courts. A jury is the voice of justice, ensuring our legal system remains fair, impartial and grounded in the will of the people. I would encourage residents to view jury selection as an opportunity to serve your community as an effective part of the judicial process.
Q: What is the role of the clerk’s office in jury management?
A: Our office manages the summoning and organizing of prospective jurors reporting for jury duty. More than 500 jury summonses are issued each month to residents using information provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Upon receiving the notice, those being summoned are welcome to check in online and may request excusals or deferrals based on their personal situation. The selection process begins with a large pool of names that are qualified and pared down to a panel of six to 12 selected jurors.
After a judge qualifies 50 – 100 prospective jurors, they are sent to the courtroom for a process known as voir dire, which involves questioning by the judge and lawyers. Throughout the process, our clerks work to ensure the process is efficient, effective, and not unduly burdensome.
Q. Why is the right to a jury trial important, and what responsibility do we have when called to serve as jurors?
A. The right to a jury trial is a fundamental cornerstone of America, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution to ensure that justice is not decided solely by government officials, but by a group of impartial peers. A jury of peers offers a fair and balanced verdict, safeguarding against potential bias or overreach by a single judge. When we’re called to serve, we share the responsibility of upholding this right for others. We should approach the role with integrity and fairness, striving to be the kind of juror we’d want to decide our own case if we were involved in a civil or criminal trial.
Q. How can people get in touch with you?
A. For questions about jury duty, or the services we provide at the Clerk’s office, our Customer Care Call Center is available Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at (904) 819-3600, and by email at clerk@stjohnsclerk.com. I can also be reached directly on my cell at (904) 599-8688 or by email at BPatty@stjohnsclerk.com.
