PMCW Law

Jury duty is one of the hallmarks of the American judicial system. Among other things, the Sixth Amendment guarantees individuals facing criminal allegations to the right to an impartial jury. This impartial jury is comprised by everyday American citizens, just like you, who have been called upon to serve as jurors.  If you have not yet been called for jury duty (or even if you have served before), you may have several questions about the process. This week, the attorneys at our general practice law firm in Camdenton MO  are here to answer some of the common questions people have about jury duty. Q:  Is Jury Duty Mandatory? A:   Yes. If you have been called, participation is mandatory (unless you have been explicitly excused by the Court). Q:  What Happens To My Job While I'm On Jury Duty? A:   Employers are required to allow their employees to serve jury duty without having to use their vacation or sick leave. They are not required to pay you ...

Do you understand how Missouri criminal trials work and the roles that each of the participants play? The professional Missouri attorneys advocate for and defend their clients' positions. The judge oversees the proceedings and acts as the ultimate authority on the law. The jury members objectively evaluate the facts presented by the attorneys and decide the final verdict (guilty or not guilty) based upon the evidence provided. The attorneys and judges are individuals with years of schooling and experience. The jury members, however, can be any citizens who live in the county in which the crime was committed. Jury members are selected completely at random, usually from a list of licensed drivers, personal property tax list or voting registrants.  Given the random selection process, most (but not all) American citizens will be asked to serve on a jury at some point in their lives. Serving on a jury in an American courtroom is not only a civic duty - it's also an honor and a ...