In criminal cases, the jury is more than a decision-making body, it is a democratic safeguard rooted in the idea that justice should reflect the conscience of the community. But representation is not automatic. Systemic barriers such as exclusionary eligibility rules, unequal access to jury service, and disproportionate disqualification of certain groups can undermine the legitimacy of the process.
Key Topics:
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Source list disparities
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Exclusion through eligibility requirements
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Underrepresentation in rural and urban jurisdictions
Key Resources:
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Reports:
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Race and the Jury: Illegal Discrimination in Jury Selection
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What Do I Have to Do to Serve? by Dr. James M. Binnall
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Creating Representative Juries in St. Louis County, MN
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Tools:
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Sample motions: Challenging jury pool composition
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Legislation tracker: Jury inclusivity reform by state
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Webinars:
