EDITORIAL DOING OUR DUTY.WHAT happens to people who ignore a jury duty summons? It used to be that nothing at all happened. It was like voting - most folks know they ought to do it, but the kids/job/traffic just got in the way. Maybe next time. That's not flying in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. County anymore as the Superior Court is cracking down on those who skip their jury summons, handing out heavy fines. ``It's our constitutional duty to serve. It is our highest honor,'' said San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. Judge Alice C. Hill. Many may argue that it's not much of an honor to wait around in plastic chairs watching daytime TV, dreading getting called. But Hill is right that it's every able adult's duty to participate, regardless of convenience. (Legitimate hardships are acceptable.) But more than a duty, it's also a right. Countless men and women have died over the course of this country's history protecting the basic, inalienable rights The term inalienable rights (or unalienable rights) refers to a theoretical set of human rights that are fundamental, are not awarded by human power, and cannot be surrendered. They are by definition, rights retained by the people. - among them the right to a fair trial The Right to a fair trial is an essential right in all countries respecting the rule of law. It is explicitly proclaimed in Article Ten of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution, and Article Six of the European Convention of Human with a jury of one's peers jury of one's peers n. a guaranteed right of criminal defendants, in which "peer" means an "equal." This has been interpreted by courts to mean that the available jurors include a broad spectrum of the population, particularly of race, national origin and gender. . Folks love to complain about the state of the city or state or country, yet few participate in the process at all. They blame it on politicians, saying the leaders are disconnected from the public. In many cases that's true. But that's at least in part due to the disinterest dis·in·ter·est n. 1. Freedom from selfish bias or self-interest; impartiality. 2. Lack of interest; indifference. tr.v. To divest of interest. Noun 1. of the populace, which cares more about who wins ``American Idol'' than who wins the local congressional seat. There's a saying that a society gets the government it deserves. What does a society that doesn't exercise its hard-fought rights deserve? Jury duty isn't a picnic. But neither is making sure to floss (Free, Libre and Open Source Software) See free software and open source. , eating five servings of vegetables every day or getting enough exercise. Still, most folks at least strive toward that ideal because they know it's good for their health. Jury duty is also good for the health - the civic health. So next time that summons comes in the mail, don't toss it in the trash, even if the $250 fine seems worth the price. Suck it up and show up. Not only is it our duty, it is our right. |
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