Race and Representation in Jury Service Selection

Abstract:     
This article examines the process of jury service selection and the factors that may influence the representation of certain racial and socioeconomic groups. I first discuss the origins of the jury system and the role of the jury as a representative democratic institution. Next, I examine the process of jury service selection in Pennsylvania considering how minority underrepresentation may arise during that process. Finally, I address a variety of measures proposed to remedy underrepresentation and review these proposed reforms to the Pennsylvania jury service selection process.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 24

Keywords: jury, jury duty, jury service, race, constitutional law, trial, civil procedure, criminal procedure, ethnicity, discrimination, voir dire

JEL Classification: K1, K10, K14, K4, K40, K41

Accepted Paper Series