The ugly truth about the bedrock of America’s criminal justice system is this: Nobody wants to be a juror.
It’s an important responsibility, of course. And if all good, responsible people successfully avoid serving on a jury, then who does that leave to judge defendants who have been accused of crimes?
Answer: Bad, irresponsible people.
But we all know what a pain it is. You line up like cattle at the courthouse metal detector, seek out the most comfortable folding seat you can find in a courtroom and wait.
And wait.
And if you’re lucky, you finish the day without hearing your name called and you’re excused until the next time the state asks you to serve. If you’re not so lucky, you can spend who knows how many days in a courtroom listening to evidence presented in criminal cases you probably would rather not even know about.
Lubbock County, Texas, has found a way to offer at least a little relief to jury pools. And the system has even spurred a higher participation rate.
Lubbock residents who receive a jury summons have an option that allows them to report online. They log onto a website, follow the instructions and answer some questions. Then they wait – in the comfort of their own homes.
Prospective jurors can be notified by phone, text or email. Some will still be summoned to the courthouse to serve on a jury, of course. But if your name isn’t selected as a juror, you’ve saved yourself an uncomfortable day at the courthouse.
Lubbock officials say more citizens are reporting for jury duty than before, and potential jurors like the online system. It’s a model worth considering for use in North Carolina. Staying away from the courthouse is a worthy goal for all of us.
