“For many are called but few are chosen,” in the book of Matthew, aptly applies to all jurors.
The many who are summoned to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Jackson County usually amounts to 1,500 to 2,000 residents per month of which 20 to 30 percent end up at the Independence Courthouse Annex. The 12, and the several alternates who are finally chosen, usually find the proceedings exciting but the pay disgraceful. Civic-minded citizens who try to avoid jury duty are not unpatriotic they are just joining the chorus all across America in the same song: It is becoming too much of an economic hardship for themselves, their families and their place of employment.
Circuit Court spokesperson Mary Jacobi reports that court officials are sensitive to citizens concerns. She reports that on Monday mornings Presiding Judge W. Stephen Nixon addresses the jurors and tells them they will be paid $6 per day plus 7 cents for mileage. Then he asks for a show of hands from those who think that’s ridiculous. Almost every hand goes up, and he agrees with them.
That may soon change for State Rep. Ray Salva of Sugar Creek has introduced House Bill 1380, which would pay jurors a flat rate of $40 a day with no increase in county or court fees. His bill would not pay jurors on their first day but would pay $6 and mileage to those called back on the second day. If they are selected for jury duty then the $40.00 would kick in.
Salva says, “There is no group opposition and there is total support of the people and the Circuit Court. I expect it to become law by August of this year.” Judge Nixon adds, “It is important for state legislators to hear from their constituents and to contact their elected officials to support HR 1380.”
Basically, to qualify as a juror in Jackson County you must be a resident, a citizen of the United States and a non-felon. You must be 21 years of age and there is no upper age limit. Jurors are drawn from Missouri driver’s licenses, state issued ID’s and voter registration lists. Citizens are asked to serve no more than once every 36 months.
For more information on jury service go to the Web at - www. 16thcircuit.org.
I give you President John Adams’ toast: Independence forever.
