Daily Briefs . . .

Judge Colombo, Jr. orders those who failed to appear for jury duty to appear in court April 30


In 2014, the Third Judicial Circuit Court has called in and expected 86,863 jurors to report for jury service; 51 percent did not obey the summons and failed to appear for jury service.

Jury service is a civic duty.  All United States Citizens have a civic duty to report for jury service when called. Failing to report when summoned as a juror without being excused is a punishable act of contempt.

On March 20, 2015, the Third Circuit Court mailed out Orders to Show Cause over 200 jurors who failed to appear when summoned for jury service over the past 12 months. These jurors are ordered to appear on April 30, 2015 at an appointed time before Chief Judge Robert J. Colombo, Jr.

When a person is summoned for jury service, the person must appear.  The Third Circuit Court will excuse people if there is a legal exception and will grant one postponement if a person has a conflict.  The Third Circuit Court even advertised an amnesty period where those who failed to appear could simply call and ask for a new date.  “Jury service is to protect the rights of a defendant in a criminal case,” explained Judge Colombo. The Constitution guarantees a right to trial with a jury of one’s own peers. Third Circuit Court has more high profile criminal jury trials than any other court in Michigan, making juror service a critical component of the criminal justice system. 

Even in civil cases, juror service is important; “Jurors are not subject to political considerations or contributions, but rather decide the case based upon the evidence.
Jurors represent the conscience and thinking of the community. It is a service that should command the pride and pleasure of every citizen and should not be avoided.”


 

Registration open for Salvation Army William Booth Legal Aid Clinic’s ‘Walk of Justice’ May 30
 

Registration is now open for The Salvation Army William Booth Legal Aid Clinic’s third annual Walk for Justice at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, May 30 starting at 8 a.m.
Admission is $35 in advance and $40 the day of the event. Law students can register for $20 and children, up to 16 years old, are admitted for free. The registration fee includes zoo admission, parking, a Walk for Justice t-shirt, refreshments and entry into a door prize drawing.

Guests will enjoy face painting, a photo booth, clowns and games for children, as well as have the opportunity to bid in a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses.

All proceeds benefit The Salvation Army’s William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, which has helped resolve nearly 35,000 legal issues affecting low income families, individuals and U.S. military veterans. The Clinic provides quality guidance and advocacy in a wide variety of areas. 

For more information about the Walk for Justice and to register, please visit www.walkforjustice.org or call (313) 361-6340.

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