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(Lincoln, NE) During a year that Gov. Dave Heineman and Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court John V. Hendry have dedicated to celebrating citizen participation in the judicial system, Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy has been called to jury duty in his hometown of Hastings. The Lieutenant Governor reported to the Adams County Courthouse at 8:30 a.m. today, for initial screening as a potential juror.
Gov. Heineman said, "For our system of justice to succeed, we need the willing participation of people qualified to serve. I am proud on behalf of all Nebraskans that the Lieutenant Governor's service to his state includes answering the important call of jury duty."
Lt. Gov. Sheehy said, "As Americans, we have the high honor of participating in the outcomes of our judicial system. Participating on a jury is a civic responsibility for each and every one of us, and it is a responsibility we should embrace freely. Juries play an important role in adding a diversity of perspectives to our system of justice."
To help educate the public on the importance of jury duty, Gov. Heineman, Chief Justice Hendry, and Nebraska State Bar Association President William Dittrick declared 2006 "The Year of the Juror," earlier this year.
The proclamation recognized the important contribution that jurors provide to the justice system. It also launched a statewide campaign by the judicial branch to encourage jury service among Nebraska residents and promote the representation of people from every ethnicity, race, religion and economic background on juries in Nebraska.
State Court Administrator Janice Walker said, "We are pleased that Lieutenant Governor Sheehy is taking time to participate in our jury system. Much like voting, jury duty is a right and responsibility for all Nebraskans and an important way to be directly involved in our democracy. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all citizens who have answered the call to jury duty in the past and those who will serve as jurors in the future."
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