Sample Public Service Announcements
Chief Judge/Clerk of Court/Court Administrator (voiceover): Upbeat music, friendly tone. "Did you get a jury summons? Think of it like an invitation—because it is! Courts rely on jurors like you to ensure fair trials. Just like any event, knowing who's attending helps us prepare. That’s why your RSVP—responding to your summons—is so important. Whether you’re asked to serve or excused, letting the court know helps the system run smoothly. So check your summons, respond on time, and be part of justice in action!" [On-screen text: "Jury Duty: Your Civic Invitation! Reply Today."]
Chief Judge/Clerk of Court/Court Administrator (voiceover): Inspirational background music. “You’re a good citizen. You vote. You pay local taxes. You stay informed about what’s happening in your community. That’s because you care. And there’s one more way you can make a difference—by serving as a juror. When you receive a jury summons, responding is just as important as voting. It helps ensure fair trials and a justice system that works for everyone. So answer the call—because good citizens make great jurors!" "Jury Duty: Good Citizens Make Great Jurors. Reply Today."]
Chief Judge/Clerk of Court/Court Administrator (voiceover): Calm reassuring music. “We know jury service can feel disruptive or even overwhelming. But the court is here to help. If your summons comes at a bad time, just call us—we can reschedule you for a more convenient date. And if serving truly isn’t possible due to hardship, we understand. The court can excuse you, and hopefully, you’ll be able to serve next time. Jury duty matters, but so do you. Let’s work together to make it manageable." [On-screen text: "Jury Duty: We’re Here to Help. Call Today."]
Prosecutor (voiceover): Serious, yet empowering music. “As a prosecutor, my job is to seek justice—but justice isn’t possible without you. Jury service is how our community holds wrongdoers accountable. It’s not just a duty; it’s a powerful statement. When you serve, you bring the collective voice of the people into the courtroom, ensuring fairness and accountability. So when you receive a jury summons, remember: your voice matters. Justice needs you." [On-screen text: "Jury Duty: Your Voice. Your Community. Your Justice."]
Defense Attorney (voiceover): Steady, thoughtful music. “In our justice system, everyone deserves a fair trial. That’s where you come in. As a juror, you make sure the process is fair for everyone—by weighing the facts, listening carefully, and making decisions based on the law. Jury service isn’t just a duty; it’s a safeguard of our rights. So when you get a jury summons, know that your role is essential. Justice depends on you." [On-screen text: "Jury Duty: Protecting Fair Trials. Answer the Call."]
Local Celebrity (voiceover): Upbeat music fades in. "Hi, I’m [Celebrity Name]. I recently answered the call for jury service, and it was an eye-opening experience. Serving as a juror gave me a firsthand look at how important it is for all of us to play our part in the justice system. If you receive a jury summons, don’t ignore it. Show up, get involved, and make a difference. Our community needs you—just like it needed me." [On-screen text: "Jury Duty: I Served. So Can You."]
Publicly Available PSAs
- New York State Unified Court System's "Why Should I Serve?" video
- ABOTA jury service PSA featuring Mark Cuban (1)
- ABOTA jury service PSA featuring Mark Cuban (2)
Sample Op-ed Letters
Dear Fellow Citizens,
In a world filled with fast-paced demands and daily distractions, there is one duty that should never be overlooked or taken lightly: jury service. As Thomas Jefferson once wisely stated, "Jury service is the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution." These words resonate more profoundly today than ever, underscoring the critical role that each of us plays in safeguarding the principles upon which our nation was founded.
Receiving a jury summons is not a mere inconvenience; it is a unique privilege that embodies the heart of democracy itself. It grants us the power to ensure that our legal system remains fair, just, and rooted in the very ideals that our Constitution upholds. In our increasingly polarized society, jury service is a symbol of unity, a chance for all citizens, regardless of background, to come together and ensure the principles of justice are upheld.
Jefferson's words remind us that the jury system is a fundamental pillar of our democratic society. It is the embodiment of citizen participation in the justice system and a shield against the abuse of power. When we ignore our summons or attempt to avoid jury service, we weaken the very foundation of our government. We diminish our power as citizens to hold those in authority accountable for their actions and decisions. In essence, we forsake the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of the core values upon which our nation was built.
The essence of a jury is its diversity. Jurors come from all walks of life, representing various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. When summoned for jury service, you become an essential part of a system that ensures justice is blind and impartial. Your unique perspective and life experiences help balance the scales of justice, creating a fair and equitable trial process.
While jury service may seem like a minor inconvenience in the midst of our busy lives, it is crucial to remember that it is the duty that Thomas Jefferson believed to be the ultimate anchor against the tyranny of power. Our Constitution and the principles it embodies depend on our active participation. As jury summons arrive in our mailboxes, we should greet them not with frustration but with the understanding that our response is an opportunity to protect and uphold the principles of our democracy.
In conclusion, let us remember that Thomas Jefferson's words ring true today as they did in the past: "Jury service is the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution." Each time we receive a jury summons, we must see it as a call to action, a call to duty, and a call to safeguard the principles that define our nation. By responding to this call, we fortify the anchor of our democracy and ensure that the principles of our Constitution remain steadfast.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Fellow Citizens,
In an era marked by unprecedented social and political challenges, active participation in our communities takes on new significance. While many forms of public engagement exist, one often overlooked but vital duty is responding to a jury summons. This call to serve on a jury represents not just a legal obligation but a profound opportunity to make our voices heard and ensure that justice is achieved in our communities.
Young people, people of color, and other disadvantaged groups have historically faced obstacles and disparities within the justice system. But it is precisely for this reason that answering the call to jury service is more crucial than ever. By serving on a jury, you become a driving force in shaping the very system that may have marginalized you or your community. In the words of Fannie Lou Hamer, a powerful civil rights activist, "Nobody's free until everybody's free."
Active community engagement is the bedrock of our democracy. It is the thread that weaves together the fabric of our nation. It's not limited to voting or public protest alone; it extends to our role in the justice system. Jury verdicts are not just decisions; they are the embodiment of justice itself. When we shirk our responsibility to serve on a jury, we undermine the very principles upon which our country was founded.
Juries are meant to represent the diverse voices and experiences of our society. When young people, people of color, and other disadvantaged groups step up to serve, they bring perspectives that the system desperately needs. It is your chance to ensure that justice remains blind, impartial, and equitable.
In a nation where systemic injustices persist, our duty to respond to a jury summons is an act of defiance and hope. It's an opportunity to rewrite the narrative and right the wrongs of an unjust past. It's a means to transform the justice system from within, to challenge prejudices, and to ensure that everyone is judged based on evidence admitted at trial rather than the color of their skin or their background.
Our collective history is filled with instances where justice was achieved through civic participation. Whether it was the civil rights movement, women's suffrage, or countless other battles for equality, change was driven by the commitment of ordinary individuals. When you respond to your jury summons, you join this noble tradition.
In a time when the echoes of the past continue to reverberate through our present, it is essential to remember that justice is not an abstract concept; it is the product of our collective actions. It's a participatory endeavor, and every voice, every perspective, every jury verdict is a step toward a more just and equitable society.
Let us not underestimate the power of our civic participation. By responding to a jury summons, you become an agent of change within the justice system, a protector of the Constitution, and a champion for the principles upon which our nation was built. Embrace your role, and let your service be a testament to the enduring spirit of justice that guides our nation forward.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Fellow Citizens,
It's a familiar scene for many of us: a jury summons arrives in the mail, and we can't help but groan at the inconvenience it may bring. We've all been there, and we know that jury service can disrupt our routines and daily responsibilities. But before we dismiss or ignore that jury summons, it's important to recognize that the court is willing to work with us, to ensure that jury service doesn't place undue burdens on our lives.
The court fully understands that jury service can be an inconvenience. Our lives are busy, and we have responsibilities that cannot always be set aside. However, the truth is that the court is more accommodating than you might think. It is ready to work with prospective jurors to ensure that their service is as convenient and as least disruptive as possible.
One of the essential aspects of the court's flexibility is its willingness to defer jury service to a more convenient time. If you receive a summons, and you genuinely cannot fulfill your duty at the specified time, the court provides an option for you to request a deferral. This means that if you have a significant life event, an important work commitment, or any other pressing matter that coincides with your jury service, you can work with the court to reschedule your service for a later date.
Additionally, the court is aware that some individuals may experience great hardship if they were to serve on a jury. We all face unique circumstances, and the court acknowledges this. If jury service would create a significant hardship in your life, it's possible to be excused from service. This process is in place to ensure that no one is unfairly burdened, and the court is here to listen to your concerns.
However, there's one crucial aspect that the court cannot address unless it hears from you: your intent. If you receive a jury summons and simply ignore it, the court cannot know that you have concerns or scheduling conflicts. By not responding, you deny the court the opportunity to work with you, to accommodate your needs, and to ensure that you are not unfairly inconvenienced.
When you receive a jury summons, consider it a call to participate in a vital part of our democratic system. The courtroom is not just a place for legal professionals; it is a space where the community's voices are heard and justice is upheld. By serving on a jury, you play a role in ensuring that the principles of our Constitution are upheld.
Our court system relies on individuals like you to keep it functioning properly. Responding to your jury summons and working with the court to address your concerns is an essential part of fulfilling our civic duty. Let's not overlook the fact that the court is willing to make accommodations to ensure that the inconveniences of jury service are minimized. It's a responsibility we should embrace, for it is through our collective efforts that we uphold the ideals of justice upon which our nation was built.
Sincerely,
[Your name]