Superior Court of Alameda County Celebrates Jurors

Oakland, Calif. – May 8, 2023 - Jurors are integral to the country’s judicial system and in appreciation of their service, the Superior Court of Alameda County will join courts throughout California this week in celebrating residents who answer to call to serve during Juror Appreciation Week.

“Jury service is a responsibility of citizenship,” said Superior Court of Alameda County Presiding Judge Charles Smiley. “We are grateful for those who serve; they find the experience rewarding and are at the center of shaping what justice looks like in Alameda County.”

More than 3,000 Alameda County residents served on a jury last year, helping ensure a fair administration of justice. Serving on a jury gives residents an opportunity to participate in a fundamental government function, build relationships with fellow jurors and most importantly, exercise their right to determine justice among peers.

Residents who report for jury duty this week will meet judges from the Superior Court of Alameda County, who will discuss the functions of the justice system and personally thank all who fulfilled their civic duty and reported for jury duty.

Jury Appreciation Week was created in 1998 by the California State Legislature to honor “the thousands of citizens who support the jury system, thereby making the cherished right of a trial by jury a reality.” The appreciation week is also intended to encourage “all citizens to support the jury system and appear when summoned for service, thereby fulfilling this most important civic responsibility shared by every member of a democracy.”

Residents who volunteer for civil grand juries will also be recognized for helping to shine a light on organizations throughout the county.

Residents who report for jury duty and are selected to serve on a trial can receive compensation for travel to and from the courthouse. Those who are not compensated by their workplace can receive an additional $15 a day for service.

“It’s important to take a moment to thank all those who have fulfilled their civic duty and reported for jury duty,” said Chad Finke, CEO, Clerk of the Court and Jury Commissioner for the Superior Court of Alameda County. “Similar to voting, serving on a jury is a right that has been fought for and it should not be taken for granted.”

For more information about jury duty in Alameda County, please visit www.alameda.courts.ca.gov and click the Jury Duty tab or visit www.courts.ca.gov/courts and click Jury Service for general statewide information.  Information about the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury can be found at: www.acgov.org/grandjury/index.

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