Jurors perform a vital role in the
American system of justice that is one of the oldest most important
and valuable rights we enjoy in this country namely the right to
trial by Jury. The protection of our rights and liberties is largely
achieved through the teamwork of judge and jury who, working together
in a common effort, put into practice the principles of our great
heritage of freedom. The judge determines the law to be applied in
the case while the jury decides the facts. Thus, in a very important
way, jurors become a part of the court itself.
Jurors must be men and women who possess sound judgment, absolute
honesty, and a complete sense of fairness. Jury service is a high
duty of citizenship.
Jurors aid in the maintenance of law and order and uphold justice
among their fellow citizens. Their greatest reward is the knowledge
that they have discharged this duty faithfully, honorably, and well.
In addition to determining and adjusting property rights, jurors
may also be asked to decide questions involving a crime for which
a person may be fined. The United States Constitution and the Ohio
Constitution guarantee all people, regardless of race, religion,
sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to a trial by
an impartial jury. Justice ultimately depends to a large measure
upon the quality of the jurors who serve in our courts. |