Center for Jury Studies Hosts Screening and Panel Discussion on New Documentary
The Center for Jury Studies invites you to join us for Jury Service and Financial Fairness: A Conversation on Juror Compensation Reform on October 30, from 3:00 to 4:15 pm ET. This engaging event begins with a preview screening of Judging Juries, a documentary by Peabody Award-winning director Abby Ginzberg. Following the screening, a distinguished panel of state court administrators and business experts will explore innovative strategies for increasing juror compensation and its broader impact on the justice system.
Who should attend:
- Judicial and court policymakers
- Jury commissioners and jury management staff
- Legal professionals and trial consultants
- Anyone interested in modernizing and improving the jury selection process
Panelists:
- Hilary Crow | Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Sally Holewa | State Court Administrator, North Dakota
- Teri Munn | Senior Court Policy Analyst, AOC, Arizona Supreme Court
- Stephen Tow | Senior Analyst, Jury Improvement Program Lead Staff, Judicial Council of California
Register for the webinar today.
For more information, email Laney Snyder.
Baltimore Mayor Serves as Alternate Juror in City Trial
Black Enterprise Magazine reports that just months after David Letterman’s high-profile jury service, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott was selected to serve as an alternate juror for a trial in Baltimore City Circuit Court.
Despite his high-profile role, Scott emphasized the importance of fulfilling civic duties, stating that jury service ensures the proper functioning of the judicial system. Scott’s selection came as a surprise, as public officials are typically less likely to be chosen for jury service. However, the trial concluded quickly after a plea agreement was reached, and the jury was dismissed in under an hour.
Following his service, Mayor Scott shared his experience on social media, encouraging others to perform their civic duty. The case involved defendant Paul Ray IV, who pleaded guilty to charges including first-degree murder and carjacking in connection with the 2023 shooting of 16-year-old Bryson Hudson. Despite the brief duration of his service, Scott used the opportunity to promote the importance of jury duty to the public.
Minnesota Supreme Court Affirms Jury Instruction Error in Self-Defense Case
The St. Paul Legal Ledger – Minnesota Lawyer ($) covers a recent opinion by the Minnesota Supreme Court that ruled a jury was incorrectly instructed to find that Julian Valdez had a duty to retreat before acting in defense of his stepbrother during a deadly confrontation. Valdez was convicted of second-degree murder, but his appeal argued the jury instruction violated his right to defend another without retreating. The court agreed, stating that a retreat requirement is incompatible with the defense-of-others claim. However, the ruling clarified that while a defendant need not retreat, the person in peril’s ability to safely retreat is still a factor in assessing reasonableness.
Justice Karl Procaccini emphasized that the assessment of reasonableness should be made from the defendant’s perspective, not from the person in peril. The court’s decision ensures that defendants acting in defense of others are not unduly burdened with the requirement to retreat before using force. The ruling necessitates a new trial for Valdez, highlighting the importance of accurate jury instructions in ensuring a fair trial process.
Pierce County Launches Pilot Program to Improve Juror Participation and Diversity
Following increases in North Dakota and similar pilot programs in California; Pierce County, Washington, has implemented a pilot program raising juror pay from $10 to $100 per day, aiming to boost jury participation and increase diversity. The Washington State Standard reports, this program, which runs through May 2025, includes Pierce County District Court, Superior Court, and Tacoma Municipal Court. Jurors will also receive mileage reimbursements, and surveys will be conducted to assess whether higher compensation reduces participation barriers.
The initiative, funded by the state and county, responds to research showing that lower-income individuals and minority groups are underrepresented in Washington’s juries. The results of the pilot will help determine whether permanent changes to juror compensation are recommended in the future.