It may seem like a lot of time is wasted during the juror selection process and that far too many people are summoned to jury duty in relation to how many are actually needed to serve. Many trial-related matters handled between the court and the attorneys must be addressed outside the presence of the jury. These events often arise unexpectedly and cannot be planned in advance. Cases may settle before a trial is to start which eliminates the need for a jury. Some cases are longer in length and more difficult than others, which may require a larger number of jurors for the selection process. These factors are unpredictable and may, at times, negate the need for your services the day you arrive for jury service. It is the presence of available jurors that enables the trials to proceed and may, without your knowledge, accelerate a case being resolved. When these instances occur, you have played a vital role in our legal system despite not actually serving on a jury.