Over the past 15 years, courts have begun implementing a host of reforms to the jury system in response to growing criticism about jurors’ competence to decide cases. Of particular concern was the ability of jurors to set aside preexisting biases and to understand increasingly complex evidence and legal principles.

What kind of reforms would you suggest to improve the jury trial process?

Juror Compensation and Other Changes to Make Services More Convenient

  • Legislation increasing the fees paid to jurors for their services.
  • Legislation requiring employers of a certain size to pay their employees their regular wages for the time spend on jury duty.

Why is jury selection so important?

For both the defense and prosecution, voir dire constitutes a very important part of a jury trial. Effective voir dire can work to identify jurors who can be fair and impartial, rather than unfair and biased regarding a particular party or the entire criminal justice system.

What is the jury selection process?

(See The Right to Trial by Jury.) Lawyers and judges select juries by a process known as “voir dire,” which is Latin for “to speak the truth.” In voir dire, the judge and attorneys for both sides ask potential jurors questions to determine if they are competent and suitable to serve in the case.

What is shirking of jury duty?

Those who shirk jury duty can be fined and/or summoned to court under misdemeanor charges. Some districts have even taken to having sheriffs and bailiffs hand-deliver jury summonses rather than sending them through the mail.

What is the purpose of peremptory challenges?

A peremptory challenge results in the exclusion of a potential juror without the need for any reason or explanation – unless the opposing party presents a prima facie argument that this challenge was used to discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, or sex.

What happens if a jury Cannot agree?

If the jury cannot agree on a verdict on one or more counts, the court may declare a mistrial on those counts. A hung jury does not imply either the defendant’s guilt or innocence. The government may retry any defendant on any count on which the jury could not agree.”