Top officials honor jurors on Law Day
Advertiser Staff
Judiciary and government officials and lawyers on Monday applauded and recognized former and current jurors in ceremonies marking Law Day and Jury Appreciation Week in Hawai'i.
"Our democracy depends on you," Chief Justice Ronald Moon told former and current jurors who were among the more than 120 at the jury pool room of the Circuit Court building on Punchbowl Street.
Moon
Moon said the judiciary sends out about 85,000 questionnaires each year, and all but about 10 percent are returned. Of those summoned to appear for jury service, only about 15 percent do not appear, he said.
Richard Turbin, president of the Hawai'i State Bar Association, said about 6 million Americans a year serve on juries nationally. He also said jurors are a key to the judicial system.
Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, a former state district and circuit judge and the first judge for O'ahu's drug court in 1996, also praised jury service. He read a proclamation by Gov. Linda Lingle and himself declaring Monday as Law Day and the week as Jury Appreciation Week.
The ceremonies were part of the national Law Day observances organized annually by the American Bar Association. The association chose as this year's theme, "The American Jury: We the People in Action." The association is encouraging states to dedicate the week with events expressing appreciation to jurors.
