These activities are designed to give teachers an option for students who need to satisfy community service requirements.

A challenge of the New York courts and courts across the country is to increase awareness about the role of courts in our society and the importance of jury service.

Students who submit one of the following activities will be making an important first step towards obtaining a greater understanding about our jury system and the essential role that jurors play.

Complete these activities by following the steps below:

1). Learn about the importance of jury service in our democracy:
- Visit www.nyjuror.gov
- Visit the Resource Library

2). Submit your activity formatted as a Word document (.DOC) to opaoutreach@courts.state.ny.us with ‘Community Service Activity’ as the subject of the email. Selected submissions may be posted on our website and receive prizes.

Community Service Activity 1: Write an essay (300 words) explaining why jury service is fundamental to our democracy.

Community Service Activity 2: Write a short story for elementary school children. The story must feature original characters emphasizing the role of the courts and the importance of jury service in our democracy.

Community Service Activity 3: Write a play with at least two acts. The plot and characters of your play must emphasize the role of the courts and the importance of jury service in our democracy.