As a result of the tragic events in Boston, Massachusetts and Aurora, Colorado, the national media has fixated on the efforts of ordinary jurors involved in extraordinary cases. But outside the headlines, the work of everyday justice continues in local courts. In Washington, DC, over 30,000 DC residents report to jury duty in DC Superior Court every year. This week marks Juror Appreciation Week in the courthouse, honoring the contribution of ordinary citizens to the courts and the community.

Because the District of Columbia is a large urban center with a relatively limited geographic area from which to select jurors, many more DC residents have the experience of being summoned to jury duty during their lifetimes. The existing “one day, one trial” system requires a constant flow of civic energy and involvement. For some citizens this means service every two years or so.