For the past three years the Court has issued many press releases about its activities. Student groups tour the Main Street Courthouse in Placerville and the courthouse in South Lake Tahoe from time to time. The area we can strengthen in each of these efforts, however, is the application of a systematic effort. Such expansion would add considerably to the community's understanding of what the Court does, how it does it, and its role in local and state government. Unless citizens understand what the Court does and why, the Court cannot expect significant levels of support from the community for new programs or retention or expansion of existing programs.
Jury service is seen as a burden by a significant portion of the community.
In many respects, that perception is valid. But in a democracy, it is a burden citizen jurors must carry, as they are essential in making and keeping the third branch both independent and effective. In South Lake Tahoe, about half of those expected do not appear. There are many reasons for this poor record, but perceptions about the burden of service and the absence of a response from the Court for nonappearance must be significant contributors. To spread the burdens and retain the credibility of the jury system, jury service must be broadly shared among the community.