Vol. 30, No. 2 #4 (April 2007). A Juror's Oath - A Juror's Responsibility.

• Author: By Mary Angell

Wyoming Bar Journal

2007.

Vol. 30, No. 2 #4 (April 2007).

A Juror's Oath - A Juror's Responsibility

WYOMING LAWYER Vol. 30, No. 2 (April 2007) A Juror's Oath - A Juror's Responsibility By Mary Angell

"You do solemnly swear you will well and truly try and a true deliverance make between the People of the State of Wyoming and the Defendant at the Bar, So Help You God?" The only people who speak ill of serving on a jury are those who have never served. At least that's the opinion of a retired financial consultant who served as a juror in a murder trial in Laramie County about seven years ago.

"It was a great experience," Ed Osborne told the Wyoming Lawyer. "I'll never forget it as long as I live. I've never talked with anyone who has been on a jury who wouldn't do it again."

Osborne said there's no such thing as a boring case. "When you go into jury deliberation, you know you have the fate of that defendant right in your hands," he said. "You know you have the justice of a victim in your hands."

In an effort to recognize the importance of the jury system, the Wyoming Lawyer spoke with Osborne and others about their experiences as jurors. Most said while their jury duty was challenging, they came away from it with a greater understanding of America's judicial system and renewed faith that justice is usually served in its courts.

"I think it was an awesome process to be a part of,andquot; said Jennifer Gore, a juror in the 2006 Aaron E. Smith murder trial in Second Judicial District Court. "I would love to do it again for a different trial."

Laramie County Clerk of District Court Gerrie Bishop said people are usually positive about their jury experiences. "Jurors are so apprehensive about it, but once they serve, they feel they have had an educational experience. They are not so frightened of it," she said. "They learn a lot about the court."

The selection process is a source of anxiety for potential jurors who either fear they will be selected or worry that they won't.

"My dad is a cop. I thought 'There's no way I'll get picked,'" said Gore, who added she had other reasons to doubt she would be selected to serve on the Smith trial. "I actually work with the defendant's son's grandmother," she said. "His ex-wife works right across the hall from me. It's a very small world."

Ed Osborne recalls being in the jury pool numerous...