Did you know that a citizen’s right to a trial by jury could be traced back to both the United States Constitution and Texas Declaration of Independence? Although the right to a jury trial is considered a fundamental safeguard to each American’s constitutional liberties, the concept of a jury trial is hardly new, dating back to medieval Europe.

Your jury summons puts you in the center of this most basic right of all Americans. The United States and the State of Texas Constitutions guarantee a right to trial by jury for anyone accused of a crime, regardless of his or her religion, gender, national origin or economic status. Any time the facts of a civil or criminal case are in dispute parties have a right to have their case heard by a jury of fair and impartial citizens who will make decisions without bias or prejudice.