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A PROFILE IN PROFESSIONALISM “I do solemnly swear that I will a true verdict render based upon the evidence admitted during trial and law as given me by the court.” It’s that simple – the oath taken by every juror. In eleven years on the bench, I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve with so many hardworking judicial colleagues and to witness the skill and professionalism of so many fine lawyers, but the persons I’ve been most impressed with, bar none, have been the ordinary citizens who take this oath and become active participants in the public administration of justice.
Jury service is government at ground zero. It is a time when one’s opinions and one’s vote truly count. The professionalism I’d like to recognize is that of those who don’t ask for the job, but who step up and do their duty. It is jurors who ensure we continue to have a free society. It is a jury trial that is often the last opportunity we have to protect our rights. The “professionalism” our jurors demonstrate is a model for us all. They act with integrity and a deep, abiding respect for the truth. They recognize and accept their responsibility to “get it right” and they are willing to be accountable for their verdicts. And, by and large, they do so without complaint and for very little in exchange, except the satisfaction of knowing they served with honor. I tell each jury I address that I have the greatest job in the world and that nothing has been more exciting, more meaningful and more rewarding than to be a trial judge. But, I’m also careful to add that my job wouldn’t be half of this if I didn’t have the opportunity to serve with them, ordinary citizens who take an oath no less valid than the ones we take as lawyers and judges. Text is punctuated without italics. |
