By Matthew King

While everyone knows a jury trial is a constitutionally guaranteed right, it seems as if no one wants to actually go through the jury selection process. Most people, though they enjoy sitting on an actual jury, find the jury process incredibly boring.

Every Monday, approximately 200 people show up to “hurry up and wait.” After being sent to two converted courtrooms to sit in uncomfortable seats until they are selected for a jury panel.

Jurors usually have four main complaints about jury service. First, jury service is a hassle. Second, jury service interferes with their schedules. Third, they do not want to be stuck on a jury for a long time. Finally, the $10 per day is not enough. Fortunately, King County is addressing these complaints.

It’s a Hassle

Currently, jury service can be a hassle. If you live in Bothell, you might be summoned to service your jury duty at the RJC in Kent. Clearly this is inconvenient. However, King County will be attempting to separate the County into two jury districts, akin to the jurisdictional lines between the RJC and the Seattle Courthouses. This would alleviate the extended commutes. It is likely that the jury districts will be challenged and will likely suspend the process after a challenge is initiated.

Another way that King County tries to limit the “hassle” factor is by providing bus passes to jurors in their summons. This, at least, prevents jurors from having to pay for parking, eliminating another cost associated with jury service.

Not only does King County provide bus passes, they are currently building a new jury room which will make the juror’s experience much more pleasant. The room will have comfortable chairs, a larger space, and will provide free WiFi access so potential jurors can do some work remotely.

Interferes with Schedules

Not only will the WiFi enable jurors to work, it will also make jury service less of a hassle, it will also reduce the interference jury service has on one’s schedule. Additionally, King County allows people to reschedule their jury service to a better date. This addresses most potential juror’s concerns with conflicts and their employer’s schedules.

What if the Trial Lasts a Long Time?

In addition, King County tries to establish special juror pools for trials expected to last more than a few days. Provided that the trial judge gives the County notice, a special juror pool is assembled of people who are able to sit on an extended trial.

This reduces the changes of a juror having to sit on a long trial without notice. In addition, the trial judges try to keep the trial moving so the jurors can leave when the trial is scheduled to end.

Juror Service Fees

Jurors receive $10 per day for their service. This amount was established in 1959 and has never been officially increased. There have been some efforts to increase the rate, however, in light of budget constraints, the likelihood of the fee increasing is incredibly small.

Every attorney recognizes the importance of juries in the judicial system. King County also recognizes how important jurors are, and is trying to make jury service a much more pleasant experience than in the past.