Jury Appreciation Day honors jurors

Members of the Queens County court system showed their gratitude for the jurors who give their time during the annual Jury Appreciation Day on Monday, November 13, at the Civil Court in Jamaica.
&#8220I came down here today to say I appreciate you,” the Honorable Jeremy Weinstein said. &#8220We do this annually simply to say thank you for being here.”
As Weinstein addressed the jurors who were gathered in the Civil Court on Sutphin Boulevard, he said that they were symbolic of the jurors who serve throughout the year.
&#8220I hope you'll view it as this is your way of participating in this great democracy that we live in,” he said.
The Honorable Joseph Lane also addressed the potential jurors, explain how the juror system came to be in the United States. He said that following the country winning its independence, the nation's leaders held a town hall meeting to discuss possible types of government to use.
&#8220What they did vote for was democracy,” said Lane, adding that when the constitution was formed it allowed for the right to have a trial by jury with a later amendment adding it for civil cases.
Lane said that this system gives the people the power to render justice while also ensuring that everyone is treated equally. He also expressed his gratitude for the work done by jurors.
As part of Jury Appreciation Day, a raffle was held. Unok Kim, who is originally from Korea and now lives in Rego Park, won a gift certificate to Queens Center Mall. Refreshments were also served following the presentation.