RALEIGH —  Chief Justice Mark Martin has proclaimed the month of July as Juror Appreciation Month in the state of North Carolina. A ceremonial proclamation signed by Chief Justice Martin states that the purpose of Juror Appreciation Month is “to recognize the importance of jury service to the community.”

“We set aside this time each year to thank and recognize the thousands of North Carolinians who perform this important service to our courts,” said Chief Justice Martin. “Their active role in our system of justice makes it possible for the Judicial Branch to carry out its important mission of administering justice for all."

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 24 of the North Carolina Constitution give a person charged with a crime the right to a trial by a jury. Most North Carolina citizens usually come into contact with the Judicial Branch through jury service. Juror Appreciation Month is an opportunity to educate the public and to help raise awareness of the importance of jury service, while extending a small token of thanks to the many citizens who devote their time to the Judicial Branch and to our system of justice.

While some North Carolina judicial districts have held juror appreciation activities in the past, Juror Appreciation Month encourages courts across the state to celebrate. Participation in Juror Appreciation Month is voluntary, and some judicial districts will host their own events in support of the Chief Justice’s proclamation.