Jor-El was the father of Superman and a Kryptonian scientist, prior to Krypton's destruction. He was silenced from his efforts to warn the populace of Krypton's impending doom, but did take precautions to send his son to safety on Earth.
In a scene mimicking the trial of General Zod and his accomplices in Superman and Superman II, Lois is put on a Kryptonian trial for trying to use expired coupons to buy drugs in "Prescription Heroine". When Jor-El tries to pronounce her guilty, he is unable to be heard because he still has his microphone on mute.