Honor Jurors for One Week

Senate Resolution No. 1949 BY: Senator PARKER MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 1-7, 2017, as Juror Appreciation Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize citizens of New York State who take the time to ensure the foundation of American Democracy; and WHEREAS, May 1st is the date of National Law Day, which is meant to reflect the centrality of law in the genesis of our country and its significance for society; and WHEREAS, The right to a trial by jury is one of the core values of American citizenship; and WHEREAS, The obligation and privilege to serve as a juror are as fundamental to our democracy as the right to vote; and WHEREAS, The right to trial by jury has its roots in English common law and was included in the Declaration of Independence; and WHEREAS, The right to trial by jury was enshrined in the Constitution in Article 3 Section 2 as well as in the 6th Amendment of the Bill of Rights which guarantees the right to an impartial jury; and WHEREAS, Service by citizens as jurors is indispensable to the judicial system; and WHEREAS, All citizens should be encouraged to respond when summoned for jury service; and WHEREAS, A continuing and imperative goal for the courts, the bar, and the broader community is to ensure that jury selection and jury service are fair, effective, and not unduly burdensome on anyone; and WHEREAS, One of the most significant actions a court system can take is to show appreciation for the jury system and for the hundreds of thousands of citizens who annually give of their time and talents to service on juries, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 1-7, 2017, as Juror Appreciation Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.