Missouri’s 2023 Juror Appreciation Week is May 1-7. The right to trial by jury is the only right that appears in both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Missouri Bar – joined by judges, court personnel and legal professionals – thank all Missourians who reported for jury duty in state courts in 2022 and 2023 as part of Missouri’s annual Juror Appreciation Week.

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.

Take a quick quiz to test how much you know about the importance of being a juror.