In Palm Beach County, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Mike Caruso is doing something refreshingly simple—but important—to change how people think about jury duty.
He shows up.
In a time when civic participation feels optional to some, jury duty remains one of the last, most direct ways Americans take part in the justice system. Yet too often, the first reaction to that summons in the mail is the same: I don’t have time for this; I have a job; I have a business to run; who do I call to get out of this?
That mindset misses the point entirely.
Rather than treating jury duty as a routine administrative process, Caruso has added a personal touch. He shows up in person to speak with jurors, explaining why their presence matters and how essential their role is to the integrity of the system. It’s a small gesture, but a meaningful one—putting a face to the process and reinforcing that this is not just paperwork; it’s participation in democracy.
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Jury duty is not an inconvenience to dodge—it’s a responsibility that safeguards our rights. The same system that guarantees a fair trial depends on ordinary citizens showing up, paying attention, and making thoughtful decisions. Without jurors, the entire framework of justice begins to crack. It’s that simple.
We vote to choose our leaders, but jury service is where we actively uphold the law. It is one of the few moments when everyday people—not politicians, not bureaucrats—hold real power to determine outcomes that can change lives forever.
In Palm Beach County, Mike Caruso is making an effort to remind residents of exactly that.
And when jurors complete their service, they now receive something new: a simple sticker reading, “I Served Jury Duty.”
It may sound small, but the idea is powerful. Much like the familiar “I Voted” sticker, it turns civic duty into something visible—something to take pride in. It’s a quiet statement that says, “I showed up.” I did my part.
Because that’s what this ultimately comes down to—showing up.
We live in a time when people are quick to voice opinions about the justice system, the courts, and the outcomes of high-profile cases. But those opinions carry more weight when paired with participation. Jury duty is not just a legal obligation; it’s a chance to engage directly in the system that so many criticize from the outside.
The truth is, the system doesn’t work without us. Not theoretically—literally.
Every dismissed summons, every excuse made to avoid service, shifts the burden onto someone else and weakens the pool meant to represent a fair cross-section of the community.
So the next time that jury summons shows up in your mailbox, resist the urge to see it as a disruption. See it for what it is: a call to serve, to participate, and to contribute to something larger than yourself.
And maybe, when it’s done, you’ll walk away with more than just a sticker—you’ll leave knowing you upheld a system that depends on all of us.
Editor’s Note: Editor at Large Tracy Caruso is married to Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Mike Caruso. Do not call her to get out of jury duty.
Other stories you may want to read:
- That Jury Summons You Want to Ignore? Mike Caruso Says Show Up - April 7, 2026
- PBC Commission Votes to Rename Palm Beach “Trump Palm Beach” - April 1, 2026
- Florida Lawmakers: Love Thy Neighbor..Or Just Your Cousin - March 22, 2026