An awesome responsibility. Even a civic privilege. That’s what jury selection and jury duty are in the United States judicial process. Host Roshini Rajkumar takes us in session with Judge Lois Conroy of Minnesota District Court. Though rules may vary state to state and with the federal system, one thing remains true for all in Judge Conroy’s words: “It is an enormous responsibility and one I find that jurors as a whole take seriously.” TV crime shows don’t always get rules of evidence right or follow actual laws accurately. In light of high-profile cases like Lindsay Clancy’s, we also see jurors getting scrutinized for their actions. In a time when jurors are more likely than ever to do media interviews and threats against judges keep climbing, this episode lays out the players and the process, inviting you to become more civically savvy before you squawk at how a crime is charged, who the participants are, and what would happen if you were in that courtroom as a judge of the facts. Learn more about the judicial branch of the United States.

Host: Roshini Rajkumar

Guest: Judge Lois Conroy