1. Ronald J. Pawley Discusses Being a Juror
Serving on a jury is considered a valuable civic duty. The two main types of juries in the American system
are the trial jury, which makes a finding of guilt or innocence during an actual trial, and the grand jury,
which decides whether the State has enough of a case to bring charges against someone.
Qualifications for jurors include possessing United States citizenship, being at least 18 years old, and
showing competence in the English language. However, active-duty military professionals, public
officers, and police and fire department personnel can be released from service. Someone who does not
fit the exempt categories can provide a reason for why he or she feels unable to perform as a juror; in
some instances, the judge or participating lawyers may decide to relieve such a person of the duty.
About the Author:
The former Executive Deputy Fire Chief for the Kodak Fire Department, Ronald J. Pawley sat on the jury
during a high-profile medical malpractice suit against Strong Memorial Hospital. Following the
conclusion of the case, Pawley was interviewed by a local newspaper. In the interview, he discussed the
necessity of remaining objective when reaching a verdict, and opened up about the “sleepless night”
shared by jurors on the night before they rendered their decision.