Wayne County judge urges Taylor residents to serve on juries, highlights courthouse improvements

Don Knapp (transcript_label: 10), the presiding judge of the 3rd Circuit Court's Criminal Division, addressed council to highlight the court's work and encourage jury service. Knapp said trials are usually short—two to three days in many cases—and emphasized that jurors often find the experience more positive than they expect; he also invited council members to tour the new Criminal Justice Center and described free parking and modern jury deliberation spaces as improvements to juror experience.

Knapp provided context on the court's caseload and structure, noting the circuit has 59 judges across multiple divisions and highlighted the importance of jury service to the justice system. "Without people who are willing to serve, our system falls apart," Knapp said, urging civic participation and offering to answer questions from the council.