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Disrespect one reason jurors hard to find

Chris Maj, Denver

Published January 24, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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The recent prospective juror raids at grocery stores in Greeley stink of unchecked judicial arrogance. But I refer less to the on-the-spot issuances of jury summonses, and more to the growing disregard for the power of the jury ("Scores plucked off street for jury duty in Greeley," Jan. 17).

Colorado judges tell juries to decide cases not on matters of law but only matters of fact - even if the jury disagrees or does not understand the rules. In effect, jurors are requested to put good conscience aside and robotically determine the verdict based on the judge's orders.

However, jurors might like to know that there's no criminal penalty for weighing instructions from a judge against plain old common sense!

Perhaps to engender responsibility among jurors - and get them to report for duty instead of corralling them on the sidewalks as the bell rings - judges should consider fully informing jurors about their rights as respected equals in the delivery of justice.

Comments

  • January 24, 2008

    8:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    fiesty writes:

    I am with the letter writer. I have performed my jury duty here in CO twice, and did so willingly. I can understand the problems with individuals not reporting for jury duty, but believe these "jury raids" are the compeletely wrong way to address the problem. Prosecute people who don't show up, but don't penalize innocent bystanders. People need to be able to make arrangements so they can perform their civic duty.

    A friend of mine, who's a disabled vet and single parent, was pumping gas when they were told they had to leave right then and there to perform jury duty. They were on their way to a doctor's appointment, and then needed to pick up their kids and drop them off before going back to work. When they informed the officer of this, they were told "too bad, you need to come NOW". So the person missed needed medical treatment, got charged the late fees from the child care center for not picking up their children, and his office was disrupted since they hadn't planned for a replacement for him (the person he was relieving had to work a 18-hour shift instead of 12-hour).

    This goes beyond the "inconvenience" the summoners say to expect, into the realm of undue hardship. These "jury raids" are just plain unacceptable.

  • January 24, 2008

    10:03 a.m.

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    CWW writes:

    Instead of threatening bystanders, why didn't they show up at the door of the scofflaw jurors and pick them up instead? THAT would make more sense than press-ganging anyone they can find.

  • January 24, 2008

    11:52 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Old_Grouch writes:

    CWW,

    That's the best question yet.

  • January 24, 2008

    10:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Sweetpickle writes:

    I've become a cynic.
    If I go to court to do my duty there seems to be a good chance that the lawyers and police will lie to me and if some judge doesn't agree with my verdict he will change it.