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Juror Appreciation Week

Learn About Missouri’s Juror Appreciation Week, May 1-7, 2016

“I consider a trial by jury as the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.”
—— Thomas Jefferson

Missouri’s 2016 Juror Appreciation Week is Sunday, May 1 – Saturday, May 7. During the week, judges, lawyers and court clerks will emphasize to jurors how important their contributions are to the courts, their communities and our judicial system. Each year, more than 50,000 Missourians report to jury duty in state courts.

Missouri is one of only a few states that hold a statewide Juror Appreciation Week, with more than 50 courts participating annually. The observance began in 2000 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri. The order states, “Each year thousands of Missourians perform one of the most significant civic duties granted to citizens — they serve as fair and impartial jurors in communities throughout the state. To honor those citizens who have performed their civic duty, all Missouri courts are directed to observe Juror Appreciation Week…”

The Missouri Bar appreciates the thousands of Missourians who serve their duty as a juror each year. We understand that jury duty can be inconvenient to our daily lives, but the right to a jury trial is fundamental to upholding our constitution and democracy. We thank all Missourians who do their part and report for jury duty.