“The right to a jury trial is only meaningful if ordinary citizens are willing to serve on juries.” — Chief Judge Diana L. Moreland
By Chief Judge Diana L. Moreland
The right to trial by jury is one of the oldest and most fundamental protections of individual liberty in our system of justice. Its roots extend back hundreds of years to English common law and the Magna Carta of 1215, which recognized the principle that individuals should not be deprived of their liberty except through the law and the lawful judgment of their peers.
When our Founding Fathers established this nation, they understood the importance of protecting citizens from the unchecked exercise of government power. They believed that decisions affecting a person's freedom, property, and sometimes even life should not rest exclusively in the hands of government officials or judges. Ordinary citizens should have a voice in the administration of justice.
That principle became so important that the right to trial by jury was expressly protected in the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights.
But there is something important about that right that we sometimes overlook.
The right to a jury trial is only meaningful if ordinary citizens are willing to serve on juries.
When you or someone you love stands accused of a crime, or becomes involved in a serious civil dispute, you expect the opportunity to have your case heard fairly by fellow citizens. You expect those citizens to listen carefully, follow the law, and reach a just decision.
That system cannot function if everyone decides that jury service is someone else's responsibility.
Our system of government provides us with extraordinary rights and freedoms. But those rights carry certain responsibilities. Jury service is one of the few occasions when we ask ordinary citizens to participate directly in the administration of justice.
I recognize that jury service can be inconvenient. It may interfere with employment, family obligations or personal plans. And there are legitimate circumstances that may excuse or justify postponing service. Our laws recognize that, and this Court recognizes that.
What our system cannot accommodate is the simple decision to disregard a lawful summons from the court.
The preservation of our constitutional rights depends upon citizens who are willing to fulfill their constitutional and civic responsibilities.
The jury system belongs to the people. It exists to protect the people. And it cannot survive without the participation of the people.
Find juror information and additional details specific to the county in which you live:
Reports of jury duty scams are increasing, with many originating from Florida, and leading to victims losing thousands of dollars. A Miami man reported losing more than $4,500.
Scammers impersonate court officials or law enforcement officers and contact targets by phone, email or text claiming they missed jury duty. The scammers may demand urgent action or payment, threatening jail time if refused.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office has published a brochure, “Scams at a Glance: Sham or Summons,” to help citizens identify instances of jury duty scams.
DeSoto County: Parking is in the lot on the north side of the courthouse between Oak Street and State Road 70.
Manatee County: Your “Juror Parking Permit” is attached to your jury summons. Place it on the dashboard of your car when you park. You may use the City of Bradenton Parking Garage at 615 12th (Main) Street West. Park in any space on the first or second level not marked "Reserved" and before you reach the gate restricting access to the third floor. Additional parking is available at 1150 Third Avenue West, using the entrance on 10th Street West (next to Bradenton Police Department). Do not park on the first floor.
Sarasota, North County: Park in the parking garage on the corner of Ringling Boulevard and School Avenue. Entrance faces School Avenue.
Sarasota, South County: Park in the lot in front of the courthouse.
The experts and facilities listed below have agreed to meet with jurors for a one-time, free counseling session:
Please enjoy these brief and informative videos about jury service from the National Center for State Courts: “Answering the Call for Jury Service” and “Jurors, the Internet & Social Media.”