PHILADELPHIA — The Committee of Seventy, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, and Ceiba today hosted Juror Appreciation Day, a citywide celebration of jury service featuring a morning breakfast for active jurors and a ceremonial program at Philadelphia City Hall honoring individuals and organizations driving jury reform across Pennsylvania.
The day began at the Stout Center for Criminal Justice, where approximately 300 jurors were welcomed with donuts, coffee, and grab bags that included pocket copies of the U.S. Constitution — a symbol of the foundational role jurors play in upholding American democracy.
The event drew remarks from some of the region’s most prominent judicial and civic leaders, including Chief Judge Wendy Beetlestone of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Timika Lane, and Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Nina Wright Padilla.
“Representative government doesn’t begin and end at the ballot box, it extends into our courtrooms,” said Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy. “For more than 120 years, the Committee of Seventy has fought to ensure that Philadelphia’s government truly reflects its people. Juries are no different. When our neighbors answer the call to serve, they are doing something profound: they are making our justice system more representative, more legitimate, and more accountable to the communities it serves. Today we celebrate that civic courage, and we recommit ourselves to tearing down the barriers that keep so many Philadelphians from the jury box.”
The ceremonial program at Philadelphia City Hall recognized three honorees for their outstanding contributions to jury service and reform:
- Patrick Martin, Jury Commissioner for the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, was honored for his tireless dedication to supporting jurors both inside and outside the courtroom.
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation was recognized for its Juror Education Project, which includes “A Juror’s Journey” — an interactive online simulation designed to help employees understand their civic responsibilities and the role of juries in the justice system.
- The Jury Diversity Subcommittee of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania was honored for its work advancing equitable and representative jury pools.
“Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts envisions a judicial system where everyone who walks through the courthouse door is assured fairness, impartiality, and respect and that promise is only as strong as the juries that uphold it,” said Debbie Gross, President and CEO of Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts. “The research is clear: diverse juries make fewer errors, weigh evidence more carefully, and are more likely to confront bias head-on. A jury that reflects the full breadth of our community isn’t just an ideal, it’s a more just outcome for everyone in that courtroom. Today is about honoring the Pennsylvanians who show up to make that possible, and renewing our commitment to removing every obstacle that stands in their way.”
“Ceiba has spent more than three decades fighting for the full inclusion of Philadelphia’s Latino community, in our economy, in our housing, and in our civic life. Jury service is part of that civic life, and yet Latino Philadelphians remain underrepresented in jury pools across this city and this Commonwealth,” said Will Gonzalez, Executive Director of Ceiba. “When our community members are missing from the jury box, their voices go unheard in decisions that affect their neighbors, their families, and their futures. True inclusion means a seat at every table where justice is decided. That is why Ceiba is proud to stand with our partners today in calling for a jury system that looks like, and listens to, all of Philadelphia.”
Juror appreciation day is part of the Voices for Justice initiative, spearheaded by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (EDPA) in partnership with the Committee of Seventy, Ceiba, and Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, aims to strengthen civic engagement and ensure fair representation in the jury system. As part of this initiative the Voices for Justice Initiative released a digital ad to encourage individuals to respond to their jury summons, that can be found here.
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About the Committee of Seventy
The Committee of Seventy is Philadelphia’s nonpartisan good-government organization, dedicated to ethical and effective government and an informed and engaged citizenry.
About Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts
Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to an independent, fair, and modern court system.
About Ceiba
Ceiba is a coalition of Latino community-based organizations in Philadelphia.