(ROCKFORD, IL) – By proclamations of local government, the week of May 4 – May8, 2009 is formally recognized as Juror Appreciation Week. In celebration of Juror Appreciation Week, the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court will hold a reception torecognize jurors for their service in Winnebago and Boone Counties.

Jury service is a fundamental civic duty which provides all citizens with the opportunity to actively participate in the American Justice System. In 2008, the judges in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court presided over 125 jury trials with 4,794 jurors directed to courtrooms for juror selection.

Juror Appreciation Week is held annually to honor the service of jurors, improve communication with jurors and employers, and reinforce public confidence in the jury process.