Pierce County is sponsoring Juror Appreciation Week from April 25-29 to recognize the importance service that residents provide on jury duty. Last year, 10,907 citizens served on a jury in Pierce County. They were selected from 80,000 people who were summoned to duty.
To recognize jurors for their service, Superior Court Presiding Judge Bryan Chushcoff will read a proclamation from Gov. Chris Gregoire to jurors. In addition, the Pierce County Council voted unanimously on April 19 to adopt Resolution 2011-47, recognizing Juror Appreciation Week.
“Jury service is a vital aspect of our government. When you serve as juror, you not only serve your country, but you serve as an integral part of the justice system,” Chushcoff said.
Superior Court Administrator Andra Motyka said several improvements are in the works:
• Later this year, a new Juror Response website will permit prospective jurors who are summoned the option of responding through the Internet, rather than the mail. The site will enable prospective jurors to accept a summons, have information updated, be released due to qualifications or have their date of service postponed to another date.
• A toll free, voice-activated response system will be added to the Internet feature in the near future.
Jurors also have the option of receiving bus passes, making transportation to and from the courthouse more convenient.
This year, jurors have the right to donate their jury pay of $10 a day back to the county. This has resulted in a savings of $3,575.
“Superior Court appreciates this kind gesture and values the time and dedication of our jurors,” Motyka said. “We want every juror to feel appreciated.”