Civic

Civic Leaders to Address Findings from Recent Civil Grand Jury Report

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Eureka, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors is set to deliberate on recommendations and findings presented in the latest civil grand jury report, a document assessing a variety of building code and safety enforcement issues within the county. The meeting scheduled for later this week will address these insights as the community anticipates the administration’s approach towards the jury’s suggestions. The civil grand jury, which is an independent panel tasked with examining aspects of local government, submitted its findings after months of evaluation. Their report highlighted several areas in need of improvement, focusing primarily on … Read more

Civic Duty or Civic Burden? Local Citizen’s Struggle with Jury Duty Unfolds

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Alton, IL – Seated at a wood-paneled courtroom in Madison County, Joe Crawford, a local bookstore owner, became an unwitting protagonist in a story that intersects daily life and civic responsibility when he was summoned for jury duty. For many, receiving a jury duty summons can be an inconvenience, but the process is a foundational pillar of the American legal system, ensuring that a cross-section of the community can weigh in on the legal matters at hand. Crawford, initially skeptical about the interruption to his routine, experienced a shift in perspective as he delved deeper … Read more

U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson Honored with Inaugural Community Leader Award for Promoting Civic Education and Strengthening Democracy

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Hartford, Connecticut – U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson has been granted the prestigious Community Leader Award by the Connecticut Democracy Center. The Hartford-based organization, known for its promotion of civic engagement and stewardship of the Old State House, recognizes Judge Thompson for his extensive involvement in educational initiatives centered around the role of courts in upholding the rule of law. Connecticut’s Chief U.S. District Judge Michael Shea acknowledged Judge Thompson’s commendable commitment to fostering civic education and empowering individuals to actively participate in our democratic society. He commended Thompson’s unwavering efforts to promote awareness … Read more

Inside the Jury Room: A Frustrating Day on Civic Duty

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Riverside County Superior Court in Indio, California – On January 9, 2024, the publication “Indy Digest” issued an apology for the delayed delivery of its newsletter. The publisher explained that this was the first time in nearly four years that the newsletter had not been sent according to schedule. The delay was attributed to an error by the Riverside County Superior Court Jury Office. A few months ago, the publisher received a jury summons and requested an excusal due to financial hardship. The trial for which the publisher was a potential juror was expected to … Read more