4 May 2005

Governor Sebelius joins panel discussion on importance of jurors

As part of the Dialogue on the American Jury, Governor Kathleen Sebelius, District Court Chief Judge John Lungstrum, and Tom Wright, Shawnee County attorney, will conduct a panel discussion at Topeka High School, 11:50 a.m., Thursday, May 5. Students from several social studies classes and the debate team will attend the panel, which is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of jurors and the service they perform.

“It is our duty as citizens to serve as jurors,” said Governor Sebelius. “We have a responsibility to start this discussion with our young people now so they understand the importance and value of jury service.”

About 5 million Americans receive a jury summons and report for jury duty every year, but for each who does, too many do not. May 1-7 this year marks the first national Juror Appreciation Week, a time to celebrate juries and jurors. It is designed to help Americans deepen their understanding of the important service jurors perform in protecting our freedoms and sustaining the rule of law and encourage all Americans to answer the call to serve on juries whenever they are summoned.

In honor of the week, Governor Sebelius is also issuing a proclamation recognizing National Juror Appreciation Week in Kansas.