Enhancing the Public’s Perception of Jury Duty
May 01, 2024 by Jolie Schmidt
It’s no secret many constituents feel apprehension toward jury duty. It is often seen as a confusing, time-consuming hassle that holds a negative perception. And, for many in your community, this might be their only interaction with the court, making it even more important to change the narrative. That’s why forward-thinking courts are leveraging modern jury management technology to improve the experience — adopting strategies focused on timely, frequent, and transparent communication to elevate the public’s perception of jury duty.
Be Timely: Respecting Juror’s Time and Commitment
It’s important to recognize and respect the time jurors dedicate to serving their justice system — not only the time set aside to physically report, but also the time spent navigating the selection process beforehand. This means providing jurors with swift updates about changes, sending reminders, and avoiding the unnecessary summoning. Demonstrating respect for their time and commitment to justice can make jury duty feel less like a burden, and instead, show how much their duty is a valued part of the justice system.
Technology in Action:
Look for modern jury management software with features such as nested questions with the ability to tailor jury selection questionnaires in real time based on jurors’ prior responses. This can help avoid redundant or irrelevant questions, streamlining the process, and in turn, saving time for both the court and the jurors.
Be Thoughtful: Keeping Jurors Informed
Effective juror communication is about balancing quality and quantity. While people want to stay informed, it’s crucial to ensure the updates are educational, informative, and transparent to significantly reduce jurors’ apprehension.
“If you’re being repetitive or coming off as threatening, then being frequent is not going to go over well. Nobody wants to feel like they’re being talked to by a broken record, and nobody wants to have emails or texts come through with veiled threats of not serving. This can make people defensive and more likely to not do what’s asked of them. It’s counterintuitive,” says John Arntsen, senior account executive for Tyler’s jury management solutions.
This highlights the importance of thoughtful communication — from assigning jurors to cases in advance and sharing important case information and updates to sending thoughtful reminders. Each step in this communication builds trust and fosters a sense of responsibility among jurors.
Technology in Action:
Adopt jury management features such as multi-channel communication, allowing the court to send various types of messages — emails, texts, or phone calls — customized to the juror’s preferences. This ensures that the juror receives relevant updates in a way that is convenient for them, ensuring frequent and effective communication.
Be Transparent: Setting Clear Expectations
Transparency not only builds trust but also prepares jurors for their role. It’s critical to clearly communicate what is expected of jurors and provide resources like FAQs to address common concerns.
Arntsen says, “Another way of being transparent is educating the jurors.” For many constituents, jury duty is their first time engaging with the court, so they are unsure of what to expect. Overloading the summons with information is not effective, as many will skim through without fully understanding. Instead, focus on educating jurors about the process — the importance of being on time, what to wear to court, and where to park. “When jurors show up and are educated in what is needed of them, they feel less apprehension because they feel that they are in the know. Instead of worrying, they can focus on the value they bring to the court.”
Technology in Action:
Look for modern jury management software with features such as simplified exemption requests, making it easier for jurors to understand and comply with obligations. This feature enables transparency by making the process more straightforward and user-friendly.
Redefining Jury Duty
Through transparent and consistent communication, we can enhance how jury duty is perceived by the public. By showing respect for jurors’ time, keeping them well-informed, and setting clear expectations, we can transform jury duty from a perceived inconvenience to a respected civic duty. This shift not only benefits jurors, but it can also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your justice system.