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Performance Review of the Jury Selection Process - The Alaska Court System

NCJ Number
72938
Date Published
1977
Length
23 pages
Annotation
A review of the jury selection process of the Alaska court system, conducted to determine the jury system is operating an economical, efficient, and effective manner is presented.
Abstract
A statewide computer venire listing which lists prospective jurors for each judicial district is prepared each year on March 15. This information is obtained from income tax rolls, voter registration, and hunting licenses. Since each judicial district has individual control over jury selection, there are system differences between the courts. The Anchorage jury system serves as a model for the State. About 1,000 people are randomly selected from the venire listing each month. The computer lists these names, and questionnaires are prepared for mailing. Returned questionnaires are reviewed for qualification or excusal. All qualified people are assigned to a call-in group and are summoned for 1 month of jury service. People are randomly assigned to panels from the call-in groups. Panel sizes vary according to the types of cases scheduled. Jurors are paid $20.00 per day for each full day of service. It is suggested that the court system is not using people's time efficiently. Better jury utilization should be the primary objective for the jury system, and cost savings should result. The calendaring process should be improved, better attendance should be required for jury panels, and standard jury panel sizes should be developed. In addition, the court system should develop written guidelines and instructions for its personnel responsible for selecting, processing, and paying jurists. Statistical reports on the jury system should be prepared for evaluation. The quality of information on the venire listing should be improved; a high percentage of this information is incorrect. A flexible but consistent excusal policy from jury service should be developed. Larger court districts should consider reducing the length of jury service, and payment processing for jury duty should be controlled by a second party review.