COSCA issues call to action for improved treatment of jurors

January 16, 2024 -- An estimated 14.4% of Americans are summoned for jury duty, and approximately 11 million individuals report for jury service every year.

In their new policy paper, Citizens on Call: Responding to the Needs of 21st Century Jurors, the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) reinforces the importance of jury service by issuing a call to action and urging courts to improve the treatment of jurors.

“COSCA chose this topic because more than 25 years of research by NCSC and others has shown us the value of diversity in juries, the long-term effects of some jury service, and the myriad of reasons why individuals actively avoid jury service,” said Sally Holewa, North Dakota state court administrator and chair of COSCA’s policy committee. “Addressing these issues is well within the reach of court systems. Too often, we treat juries like the nameless panels depicted by sketch artists.”

The paper examines the reasons for juror dissatisfaction and identifies solutions and strategies for courts to address them. Additionally, COSCA outlines steps courts can take to ensure that jurors are treated with respect and appreciation throughout the entire process, starting from the initial contact until the verdict is rendered and beyond.

“It is time for courts to recognize the inherent humanity of those individuals who collectively make up our juries to ensure that the courts are welcoming the service of all individuals while mitigating any harm jury service causes them,” Holewa added.

Ten recommendations and multiple strategies offered in the paper take into consideration a juror's time, financial circumstances, and the continued stress that may result from performing jury services.

COSCA identifies four causes of juror stress:

Uncertainty, lack of control and long wait times
The cost of jury service
Privacy concerns and fears about personal and family safety
Post-trial anxiety, guilt and vicarious trauma

COSCA encourages courts to think critically about how to improve the juror experience and offers the following recommendations:

Ensure that the number of jurors asked to report is based on actual need.
Shorten the length of jury service.
Advocate for adequate payment for jury service.
Educate trial court judges on vicarious trauma in jurors.
Implement a juror trauma program.
Address juror safety concerns.
Protect juror privacy

For more information on this paper and others, visit the COSCA website. To learn more about jury management and access resources, visit the NCSC Center for Jury Studies website.

Jury System Management Workshop registration deadline is February 2

Join NCSC and the Travis County District Clerk’s Office for a Jury System Management Workshop February 14 to 16 in Austin, Texas. Trial courts of limited, general, and special jurisdictions and municipal, city, district, and county courts can benefit from the workshop.

During the workshop, NCSC Center for Jury Studies Director Paula Hannaford-Agor will teach court managers and jury managers how to:

Identify strengths/weaknesses in jury operations;
Estimate operational and fiscal impacts from jury system improvements;
Implement policies/procedures to prevent or respond to legal challenges; and
Use tools, performance measures, and best practices to address problems.

This intensive workshop is offered only once every 18 months and is limited to 45 participants. Courts are encouraged to bring teams if possible. Registration deadline is February 2, and the cost is $595 per attendee.

For detailed information about the workshop and agenda, visit the ncsc-jurystudies website or contact Laney Snyder.