Thank You to Idaho's Jurors

Idaho’s Judicial Branch honors the work of citizen jurors this week during Jury Appreciation Week, May 11-15.

America’s founding 250 years ago included the fundamental right to trial by a jury of one’s peers. Our state and federal constitutions created courts, a third branch of government, to deliver this right and ensure fair, impartial justice. But no court system can provide trial by jury without the help of the jurors who give their time to this vital process.

There are few other examples of such direct participation in government by a member of the public. “People’s service as jurors is indispensable to Idaho’s judicial system,” Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan wrote in a proclamation accompanying this news release at isc.idaho.gov.

Idaho’s courts rely on the members of the public who take time from their lives to decide the facts of a case. State courts will show their appreciation this week as jurors are called in for service across the state.

From all of Idaho’s courts, thank you to the jurors whose service makes possible our rule of law.

Learn more about jury service on the Idaho Supreme Court’s website.

Text of the proclamation:

Proclamation

Honoring Idahoans Who Serve as Jurors

Whereas, the right to a trial by jury is a core value of Idahoans and guaranteed by both the United States and Idaho constitutions; and

Whereas, the obligation and privilege to serve as a juror are fundamental to preserving and implementing the right to a trial by jury; and

Whereas, Idahoans depend upon Idaho citizens to serve as jurors; and

Whereas, people’s service as jurors is indispensable to Idaho’s judicial system; and

Whereas, all people are encouraged to respond when summoned for jury service; and

Whereas, a continuing priority 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; and

Whereas, one of the most significant actions Idaho’s courts can take is to show appreciation to the citizens who give their time and talents to serve on juries.

Be it resolved that the Idaho Supreme Court is committed to:

• applauding the efforts of jurors who fulfill their civic duty;

• ensuring that the responsibility of jury service is shared fairly by supporting employees who are called upon to serve as jurors;

• ensuring that the responsibility of jury service is shared fairly among citizens and that a fair cross section of the community is called for jury service;

• ensuring that all jurors are treated with respect and that their service is not unduly burdensome;

• providing jurors with tools that will assist their decision-making;

• striving to improve the experience of jurors serving in Idaho’s courts by encouraging productive dialogue between jurors and court officials.

Be it further resolved that the week of May 11 – 15, 2026, is designated as “Jury Appreciation Week.” In celebration of this week, Idaho’s courts are encouraged to engage in activities in furtherance of the above commitments and objectives.

Dated this 13th day of April, 2026

Honorable Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan