The Supreme Judicial Court today will unveil the first new juror orientation
video in close to 25 years at the John Adams Courthouse in the historic Holmes
Courtroom. Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland invited court colleagues and
partners to preview the video before it is introduced to jury pools statewide on
July 5th. The preview event also recognizes the support of Suffolk
University which collaborated with the Office of Jury Commissioner to produce
the video.
The program will include remarks by Chief Justice Ireland, Suffolk University
Acting President Barry Brown, Superior Court Judge Robert C. Rufo, who chairs
the Jury Management Advisory Committee, and Jury Commissioner Pamela J.
Wood.
The 18-minute orientation includes an introduction by Chief Justice Ireland,
as well as scenes filmed from many courts around the Commonwealth, and
commentary by judges and actual jurors. Jurors will learn historical facts
about the trial by jury system and information about typical courtroom events
they may encounter, if called upon to serve.
"Jurors represent a most fundamental and essential element of our legal
system," said Chief Justice Ireland. "The orientation video is a critical
tool to welcome, educate and thank jurors for their service. We would not
have been able to produce this long-overdue revision of the video without the
support of Suffolk University."
"Suffolk University is pleased to have partnered in the creation of this
video, which provides important information on the vital role jurors play in the
American system of justice," said President Brown. "We have a proud
tradition of collaborating with the Supreme Judicial Court, including by making
oral arguments before the court accessible to the general public and the legal
community through webcasts."
Citizens reporting for jury service on July 5th will be the first jurors to
view the new orientation video. Statewide rollout of the new video follows
the nation's July 4th celebration of the Declaration of Independence, a document
motivated by colonists' determination to govern themselves and obtain rights,
including the right to trial by jury. The video being replaced was
introduced about 25 years ago after Massachusetts was the first state to adopt
the 'One Day or One Trial' system statewide.
Last year, close to 246,000 jurors appeared in courthouses across the state
for service. The new orientation video will be available for viewing next
month on the website of the Office of Jury Commissioner at www.MAjury.gov