As The Philadelphia Inquirer reports in the below article, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas is cracking down on those who don’t appear for jury duty.  While this is a tough step and a dose of bitter medicine for the noncompliant, it underscores the importance of jury duty in our society and legal system.  After all, it is called a duty as it is considered an essential responsibility of citizenship.  Our system of justice depends upon citizens like you responding to the call to serve.  A trial by a jury of your peers is a right guaranteed by the United States Constitution.  However, without people serving as jurors, we wouldn’t be able to have juries and your right would be compromised.  If you are called for jury duty and cannot serve for whatever reason, return the summons and explain why you cannot.  Don’t, however, ignore the summons.  Moreover, those who have served have later said that they found it to be a very worthwhile and informative experience.  So, don’t ignore it!

http://articles.philly.com/2014-06-05/news/50362607_1_jury-duty-juror-scofflaw-court-jury-service