Postal Service puts stamp of approval on jury duty

The U.S. Postal Service’s choice yesterday of James and Maxine Moore, of Northeast, to present its new 41-cent stamp hailing jury duty was a “lovely” idea.

Besides fulfilling their civic duty while serving on a jury in 1990, the Moores met, fell in love and dated for six years before marrying.

They appeared yesterday before reporters outside the H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse on Indiana Street Northwest, within view of the U.S. Capitol.

The courthouse is named after Mr. Moultrie, who was appointed associate judge of the Superior Court in 1972.

The Moores were joined by D.C. Postmaster Yverne Pat Moore, who encouraged citizens to serve on juries.

The stamps, labeled “Jury Duty Serve With Pride,” show silhouettes of 12 male and female jurors in bright colors. They were issued on the same day as the annual Juror Appreciation Day in New York City.

The Moores said they were in their 20s when they began serving on juries. Mr. Moore, now 62, said he has served on more juries but cannot recall the exact number. He said the courts seem to know him well and frequently issue summonses for him.

“You can see how the judicial system works,” said Mr. Moore, who works for Metro.

Though the Moores are devoted to serving, they said the first jury on which they served together was not so great because it ended in a hung jury.

“We [still] like it,” Mrs. Moore said. “It’s an excellent idea.”