Digital Disbursements Improve the Juror Experience

Juries are the backbone of our justice system, playing a crucial role in both small and large court cases. Without them, our justice system simply could not function.

For a trial to succeed, juror satisfaction and engagement are essential. Therefore, courts need to prioritize improving the juror experience. In this blog post, we will discuss common challenges jurors face and some best practices for tackling the problems head on.

The American Juror: The Vital Element of the Justice System

Unlike many other roles in society, being a juror is not optional. Citizens are legally required to serve if called, with serious consequences for evading jury duty. Given this mandatory service, it's crucial for courts to show the same level of dedication and respect for jurors as they expect from them.

When jurors arrive at the courthouse, they have already fulfilled part of their duty. They have come forward in good faith and expect the court to reciprocate by treating them well. One of their first concerns is often how and when they will be paid for their time. If this information is not clearly communicated, it can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction, potentially affecting the trial’s outcome.

What Makes Them Tick?

According to a Pew Research Center study, 67% of U.S. adults view serving on a jury as a key part of being a good citizen. Approximately 32 million Americans are summoned for jury duty each year according to National Public Radio.

The public, at large, isn’t averse to serving on a jury when they are called to do so, but they are averse to serving on a jury where they know they are unlikely to be treated very well. Jurors have basic expectations:

1. Respect: They want to be treated with dignity and appreciation.
2. Attention to complaints: They want their concerns to be taken seriously.
3. Feeling valued: They want to feel like an important part of the justice system.

The Most Common Problems Faced by Jurors

Jurors often face several issues that can impact their experience, including inadequate accommodations (like poor seating or lack of air conditioning), insufficient pay, long trial durations, and poor communication from the court.

There are few things that make jurors more upset than long delays between when they serve jury duty and when they are finally compensated. Delayed payments can indicate to jurors the court does not consider them a high priority.

In addition to becoming frustrated with payments that are delayed, jurors also become frustrated with payments that are issued in a format that they can’t access. For example, if the juror does not have access to a bank account — something that applies to at least 5.9 million American households — they might have quite a bit of difficulty cashing a paper check.

Investing in Your Jury Payment Process Matters

It’s natural for people serving jury duty to be concerned about their employment, child care, and financial loss for missing work. The courts, after all, have the legal capacity to compel them into service, meaning they do not have a choice when they are called to serve.

While the percentage of the American population that eventually serve on a jury is relatively small, their needs should not be ignored. Courts should understand that some jurors will find their mandated service to be a burden and know that it remains up to them to meet a basic set of standards.

They will also almost certainly discuss their jury experience with others in the jurisdiction (once permitted), which can influence the public’s perception of the court.

Explore Court Funds

Tyler’s Court Funds card is the contactless way to disburse accurate payments to everyone on time, no matter which type of transaction — jury and grand jury payments, restitution, child support, bonds, witnesses, and more.

Changes Your Court Can (and Should) Make Now

Making small updates to your court’s jury process can have a large, positive impact on juror satisfaction and engagement. Here are three best practices we recommend:

1. Ditch the Paper Checks

Paper checks are outdated and come with several issues, including:

• High costs — pricey check stock, postage, envelopes, printer ink, manual labor.
• Inconvenience for your team — check fraud, unclaimed property, escheatment, account reconciliation hassles.
• Inconvenience for jurors.

2. Evolve Your Disbursement Method to Meet Modern Demand

Digital payment disbursements provide a modern, efficient alternative to paper checks. With digital disbursements you can:

• Lessen the risk of check fraud, as well as lost and stolen checks.
• Enable immediate account reconciliation
• Decrease headaches related to unclaimed property and escheatment.
• Eliminate the use of cash payments to jurors (and meet rigorous auditing requirements).
• Offer jurors an easy-to-use debit card, as well as a variety of funds transfer options
• Save taxpayer money – courts that have switched to digital disbursements typically save 40%-90% in costs

3. Provide Clear Communication for How and When Jurors Will Be Paid

Making jurors feel like an important part of the process can significantly enhance their experience. That means communicating about jury payments at every touchpoint.

• In the jury summons: Many courts include helpful, customized information in their summons.
• On your website: Your website should be the one-stop shop for frequently asked questions about jury duty. Are these details included in your FAQs? If not, they should be.
• During check in: When potential jurors report for duty, are there posters or other signage to communicate how they’ll be paid if they are selected?
• In the jury assembly room: As potential jurors are waiting to find out if they’ve been selected, we recommend showing a short video explaining how and when they can expect to be paid.

Embrace a Smart, Forward-Thinking Approach to the Jury Experience

Jurors play a pivotal role in the justice system, and their experience can significantly impact the trial process. By modernizing jury payments with digital disbursements, courts can increase juror satisfaction, reduce administrative costs, and streamline operations. Investing in your jurors is not just about efficiency — it’s about respecting and valuing the individuals who contribute to our justice system.

Embracing digital payment disbursement solutions represents a smart, forward-thinking approach that benefits everyone involved. Learn more about how our payment experts can help your court make this transition smoothly.