NCJ Number
182865
Journal
Justice System Journal Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: 1999 Pages: 203-218
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examines reasons behind juror nonresponse in urban areas.
Abstract
A study in Washington, DC found that approximately 20 percent of potential jurors ignored the jury qualification questionnaire and another 40 percent did not receive it at all. Only 18 percent of potential jurors actually served. Many jurors did not show because of financial hardship and the inconvenience of jury duty and because some regarded the jury system as unfair. Increasing the jury fee was considered unlikely to increase the juror response rate and it was feared that punitive measures might create unacceptable resentment in the District because some of the city agencies responsible for implementing the punishments were viewed as dysfunctional. The two sources for potential jurors in the District of Columbia (motor vehicles and voter registration) were seriously inaccurate. The article suggests that improvements in the District should begin by cleaning up the source lists on an ongoing basis. An accurate census of potential jurors would result in a larger juror pool and one more representative of the community. In addition, the District should create a more positive experience for jurors, from more comfortable jury lounges to free day care for jurors’ children. Notes, tables, references