​Women judges across the nation partner with ABOTA to emphasize the importance of jury trials, judicial independence, and the roles of the judge and jury

Jury service is one of our fundamental and most important American rights and duties. Improving the public's understanding of this right is at the forefront of a nationwide effort by ABOTA.

As part of this effort, the American Board of Trial Advocates and the ABOTA Foundation supported the National Association of Women Judges in the creation of two outstanding videos addressing the importance of civil trials and an independent decision-making process by judges and juries, free from outside influence, pressure, and politics. These videos are available without charge for public education purposes, including school and community outreach, as well as juror education or orientation programs.

We encourage all of our chapters to utilize the videos in programs designed to educate citizens about America's justice system. Chapters can also make the videos available to the courts in your areas directly or through the administrative office of the courts.

One version is a five-minute video that includes information about the American jury system. Courts may wish to use this version as part of their jury orientation program. A shorter three-minute video is also available. Both versions are useful aids in connection with general education and outreach efforts. Click on the links below to watch the videos.

Jurors perform a vitally important function in our democracy. We hope you will use these videos in new and creative ways to inform the public and jury venire panels of the importance of jury service.