Bonner County staff thank past, present, future jurors for service

As part of Juror Appreciation Week, the Bonner County Courthouse staff wanted to make sure anyone who has — or will — served as a juror knows they are appreciated.

“Jury service is one of our country’s most important civic duties,” said Bonner County jury commissioner David Thurman. “Jurors are vital to us in so many ways and they really do not get appreciated enough.”

So far in 2023, over 2,400 jurors have been selected to serve throughout the county, and Bonner County itself has utilized juries for four trials since January, with jury sizes ranging from 20 to 80 jurors per trial.

While it’s unknown in what year the week of appreciation began, Thurman said it’s important to make sure no juror is taken for granted. There is only one jury trial happening in Bonner County during Juror Appreciation Week – which runs from May 8 to 12 this year – and staff are hoping to make them feel extra appreciated as they volunteer their time to the courts.

“Last year, we did cupcakes, and I think we might do that again,” Thurman said. “I’m also thinking of bringing in coffee and donuts. I’m not sure yet, but I want to make sure the jurors know how glad we are that they’re here.”