New Jersey Courts Begin Statewide Collection of Juror Demographic Information

New Jersey Courts Pioneer Statewide Collection of Juror Demographic Information to Improve Jury Selection Process

In a groundbreaking move, New Jersey courts have started collecting juror demographic information at the initial stage of the selection process. This innovative approach allows attorneys to assess the composition of a jury pool prior to a trial and gives the courts a clearer picture of the alignment between jury pools and their communities. As part of statewide reforms authorized by the Supreme Court in July, New Jersey has become the first state court system to collect juror demographic information on the qualification questionnaire.

Jurors have the option to voluntarily provide information about their race, ethnicity, and gender. So far, the majority of potential jurors across all counties have willingly shared their demographic details. According to Glenn A. Grant, administrative director of the courts, this early-stage data collection will enable attorneys and parties to determine if there is an underrepresentation of a particular race, ethnicity, or gender in a jury pool. Furthermore, the Court can use this information to assess the effectiveness of the jury selection process and identify areas in need of reform.

The new in-house jury management system, implemented throughout the state, enables these improvements and other reforms. It offers jurors a straightforward process for making requests to be excused, rescheduled, or disqualified. Court staff can assist jurors with technical issues through the MyJuryService portal, and paper questionnaires remain available for those who prefer to respond by mail. The system continues to provide jurors with email and text message updates about their service and enhances the security of juror information.

This milestone coincides with Jury Appreciation Week, an annual event recognizing the contributions of thousands of individuals who serve as jurors each year. Grant highlights the crucial role of citizen participation in jury service, emphasizing its importance to the proper functioning of the justice system and democracy.