The Jacksonville chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates honored U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Schlesinger as Jurorist of the Year for 2001 during a luncheon Friday at The University Club.
According to ABOTA president Mary Bland Love, Schlesinger was selected for his support of the judicial system in selecting juries.
“He communicates to juries the importance of the jury trial system and why they should participate,” said Love.
“I am a devout believer in the jury system,” said Schlesinger. “Outside of mediation, it’s the best method for resolving disputes. You get a fair cross-section of the community. It works. They’re not here just because of a jury duty summons, they’re participating in a 4,000-year-old tradition.”
To demystify the process for potential jurors, Schlesinger walks them through the logic behind the system to show why they should be involved.
“We want participation in the community,” he said. “We try to put them [jurors] at ease and help them understand what they are about to experience.”