The keystone of the justice system
in the United States is the right to a trial by jury. This
right is guaranteed by the United States Constitution and Maryland's
Declaration of Rights. The right to a jury trial has a long
history. It was part of the civil liberties granted by King
John of England on June 15, 1215, and was recorded in the document
known as Magna Carta. Trial by one's peers was designed to
prevent too much power being in the hands of the king.
Juries continue to be important to the
justice system. Jurors determine the facts of the evidence in
the case presented to them. Jury duty is an opportunity to
serve the community. We in the court system will try to make
your experience as pleasant as possible. In exchange, we hope
that you will be fair, impartial and dedicated in completing your
jury duty. |
