|
About Jury Service
The keystone of the justice system in the United States is the right to
a trial by jury. This right is guaranteed by the United States Constitution
and Maryland's Declaration of Rights. The right to a jury trial has a long
history. It was part of the civil liberties granted by King John of England
on June 15, 1215, and was recorded in the document known as the Magna Carta.
Trial by one's peers was designed to prevent too much power accumulating
in the hands of the king. Juries continue to be important to the justice
system. Jurors determine the facts of the evidence in the case presented
to them. Jury duty is an opportunity to serve the community. We in the court
system will try to make your experience as pleasant as possible. In exchange,
we hope that you will be fair, impartial and dedicated in completing your
jury duty.
"Your service as a juror is what makes our justice system the
finest in the world. On behalf of the Maryland Judiciary, I offer our
thanks to those of you who have served, and will serve, as jurors."
Robert M. Bell
Chief Judge
Court of Appeals
|
