March 04--Will County Judge Daniel Rozak could soon find himself in the jury box.
The long-time judge was recently summoned for jury duty for the week of March 21. The judge was taking the jury summons -- the first he's received -- in stride.
"I figure sooner or later, everyone gets called," said Rozak, who was selected from 300,000 Will County residents eligible to serve jury duty.
Like all others summoned for jury duty, Rozak will have to check in by phone each evening and afternoon to see if he needs to report for jury duty. If he is in a pool of potential jurors, he could be selected to sit in on a jury trial if attorneys for the prosecution and defense agree on having him be part of the jury.
Rozak is not the first judge to be called for jury duty. Rozak knew of at least two other judges who have not only been summoned for jury duty but served on a jury. He also noted that about 10 years ago his older brother was selected to serve on a jury in his courtroom.
"I think it would be interesting," he said of the possibility of serving on a jury.
Rozak noted he has served as a prosecutor, defense attorney and judge. But has never been in the jury box.
"That's one little corner of the courtroom I've never sat in." he said.
Will County Chief Judge Richard Schoenstedt said he welcomes judges -- or any other public official -- to serve on a jury.
"It would be my hope that someday every citizen who is 18 or over serve on a jury," he said. "It's especially important for me that public officials serve because I want the public to know that we're all in this together."
Coincidentally, Rozak has a jury trial scheduled in his own courtroom the week of March 21 but has tried to keep his schedule as light as possible in the event that he is picked to serve on a jury.
He noted if he is selected to serve on a jury, another judge would have to take his court call during the time he is a juror.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter.
