Assembly Resolution No. 366

BY: M. of A. Titone

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 1-7, 2017, as Juror Appreciation Week in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
citizens of New York State who take the time to ensure the foundation of
American Democracy; and

WHEREAS, May 1st is the date of National Law Day, which is meant to
reflect the centrality of law in the genesis of our country and its
significance for society; and

WHEREAS, The right to a trial by jury is one of the core values of
American citizenship; and

WHEREAS, The obligation and privilege to serve as a juror are as
fundamental to our democracy as the right to vote; and

WHEREAS, The right to trial by jury has its roots in English common
law and was included in the Declaration of Independence; and

WHEREAS, The right to trial by jury was enshrined in the
Constitution in Article 3 Section 2 as well as in the 6th Amendment of
the Bill of Rights which guarantees the right to an impartial jury; and

WHEREAS, Service by citizens as jurors is indispensable to the
judicial system; and

WHEREAS, All citizens should be encouraged to respond when summoned
for jury service; and

WHEREAS, A continuing and imperative goal 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 on anyone; and

WHEREAS, One of the most significant actions a court system can take
is to show appreciation for the jury system and for the hundreds of
thousands of citizens who annually give of their time and talents to
service on juries, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 1-7, 2017, as Juror
Appreciation Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.