Our jury system is strengthened when every citizen answers the call.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer recently answered a summons and appeared in court in Massachusetts
as a potential juror ("Breyer on Jury Duty," Jan. 5). Only when all citizens, regardless of race, gender, religion, socioeconomic
status or profession, have the opportunity to serve and answer the call when summoned, can we achieve the ideal of providing
a jury of one's peers.
Justice Breyer recognized that not even his membership on the highest court of the land exempted him from
his civic duty. This was a lesson Sen. Rick Santorum grudgingly learned after finally reporting for jury
duty last November, following several postponements and a failure to respond to an earlier summons. Even then, Sen. Santorum
complained about his service: "If this is what people think is a good use of their United States senator's time ..."
("Senator and wife are jury pool washouts," Nov 24, 2005)
Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts believes that citizens who want a fair, functioning
judicial system will agree that jury duty is an obligation and a privilege we all share. We hope their service will inspire
Justice Breyer, Sen. Santorum and their colleagues in leadership positions throughout the country to improve the jury system
and honor the citizen jurors who serve every day.
Lynn A. Marks
Executive Director
Shira J. Goodman
Associate Director
Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh Post Gazette Jan 12, 2005
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