Justices to study and prevent jury selection discrimination

California Supreme Court Names Jury Selection Work Group

The Supreme Court of California on Monday named members to its Jury Selection Work Group to study changes or new measures to guard against impermissible discrimination in jury selection.

Over 12 to 15 months, work group members will study a broad range of topics related to jury selection, including diversity in California jury pools, changes to jury instructions and the impact of unconscious bias.

“The right to trial by a jury of our peers is central to our justice system, and we must continue to safeguard that right,” said Justice Kathleen O'Leary, who will chair the work group. “We join a broad statewide and national dialogue that is focused on ensuring juries fairly represent the communities they serve.”

The work group includes 11 judges and justices that represent the California Supreme Court, appellate courts and trial courts throughout the state, including: Justice Werdegar (ret.) and Justices O'Leary, Jackson, Kim, Murray, and Pena. More here.