NCJ Number
76883
Date Published
1981
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This annual report documents the status of the jury system of Dallas County, Tex., during calendar year 1980; juror utilization, cost analysis, and evaluative information are addressed.
Abstract
Over the past 3-and-one-half years, numerous changes to the jury system have been inaugurated, as structured by the adoption of the 1-day/one-trial length of service concept and other systemwide innovations. The overall goal of jury management is to provide the court system with a sufficient number of qualified jurors at the lowest possible cost to the county while respecting the value of citizens' time. This goal was advanced during the year. Dallas County received national recognition during 1980 when the Center for Jury Studies evaluated the jury operations of the 30 largest metropolitan counties nationwide; 12 counties, including Dallas County, were rated as having outstanding jury systems. During the year the county's courts held 2,095 jury trials, requiring the appearance of 66,369 jurors. Average juror utilization for the year was 88.1 percent. Juror yield, or the percent summoned who appeared for service, reached a record high of 44.4 percent. This figure indicates a willingness to serve. System costs escalated compared with last year as a result $5 to $6 per day. The average cost per juror, which is affected by trial length as well as rate of juror pay, was $9.45. The average cost per jury trial remained below $300. Based on surveys of jurors' opinions, the jury services department developed a new juror handbook in 1980. The handbook is used to supplement the slide and audio presentation which is used during juror orientation sessions. Graphs and charts are provided in the report. (Author abstract modified)