Court expresses appreciation for jurors past, present and future for their service
As part of the foundation for our system of justice, jurors who report for jury service during the first week of May will get special treatment.
As part of Jury Appreciation Week, the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County will reward jurors who walk through the courthouse doors with refreshments as well as free lunches and gift baskets for select jurors. They will be greeted with special welcome messages from Presiding Judge Joseph Welty and judicial leadership.
“One principle that sets our system of justice apart from others around the world is the concept of a right to a trial by jury of one’s peers,” said Ray Billotte, the judicial branch administrator in Maricopa County and the jury commissioner. “It’s important for us to pause and reflect on the service jurors provide – not just to the court but as part of the fabric of our community.”
Over the past few years, the Superior Court has revamped jury service based on feedback from previous jurors. Perhaps the greatest improvement to the jury experience has been juror pay.
“Since the change to the Arizona Jury Fund in late 2022, where any trial juror can be reimbursed up to $300 a day starting at day one of trial, the court has seen a steady and significant increase in payouts,” Jury Administrator Matt Martin said. “The new pay structure has reduced the number of potential jurors seeking financial hardships.”
According to the Jury Office, more than 1,000 jurors have taken advantage of the change to the Arizona Jury Fund, resulting in payouts of over $700,000 as compensation for lost wages. While the loss of pay has been a major barrier for participation on a jury for some citizens, this expansion of the jury fund is making jury service more accessible.
In addition, the court is continuously streamlining the jury selection process to better make use of juror and the court’s time. In January, the Judicial Branch in Maricopa County began using Remote Case Specific Questionnaires to prescreen jurors before they are scheduled to report for service.
“Since Remote Case Specific Questionnaires were implemented, the court has excused more than 820 jurors in advance of their date of service. This saves jurors a trip to the courthouse and time away from work and their family,” Martin said. “For the court, it’s important we are not wasting people’s time.”
All Maricopa County residents are obligated by state law to serve as a juror, unless excused. When a person receives a summons in the mail, they are asked to visit the Maricopa County eJuror System at https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/jury, which allows jurors to qualify for jury service, ask for excuse/disqualification and postponements, and get additional information about jury service.
“The court’s website has been updated to be more user friendly, making it easier for potential jurors to understand and follow the process,” Martin said.
Anyone who can’t serve on the day they are scheduled to report for jury service is encouraged to communicate with the court. In some instances, the Jury Office may offer a postponement or a release. For individuals who ignore their jury summons or respond but fail to show, they may be required to appear before a judge and potentially fined.
Jury service is a vital component of the American justice system. The United States and Arizona constitution's guarantee the right of trial by jury. Therefore, all Maricopa County residents who are 18 years and older, a U.S. citizen and never been convicted of a felony or have had their civil rights restored are obligated to serve on a jury. Citizens over 75 years of age may be excused from jury service by written request. Also, anyone who appeared for jury service is exempt from serving for 18 months.
What's it like to serve as a juror?
No need to stress or be anxious about your jury summons, just ask friends and family who have recently served on a jury in Maricopa County about their experience. Their response will motivate you into action.
Based on research conducted by the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County, those who have served on a jury can’t wait to be called again. It’s the highest praise and most powerful statement about jury service. So, when a summons is received in the mail follow three simple steps: respond, call, navigate.
“We encourage people to talk to their most trusted sources who have served to find out the truth about jury service. The experience of serving on a jury is unmatched. For many people, it’s the one time in their life they get to be directly involved in the judicial process,” Jury Administrator Matthew Martin said.
A study conducted by the Jury Office in the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County concluded that 86% of people reporting for jury service completed the prearrival steps.
“It’s critical for every person who receives a summons to complete the preliminary steps before reporting for jury service. Because of the importance of jury duty and the continued positive feedback we receive from jurors, the Court feels, in time, that number will be closer to 100%.” Martin said. “We recognize that jury service pulls people out of their daily routine and may inconvenience some; however, it’s worth it. So, when you get a summons in the mail: respond, call, navigate and enjoy your experience.”
Recently, Pepper Groat, who just completed her jury service, gave a glowing review of her experience.
“On the day to report, it was easy to find my way to the parking garage. So grateful for the awesome directions someone put on the card and on the webpage. When I arrived at the courthouse, I was greeted by security, and they were very helpful too. Also, the greater Jury Assembly room was very impressive,” Groat said. “I was assigned to Judge Ronee Korbin Steiner’s courtroom for Jury Duty. Everyone in the courtroom were so nice and respectful. Judge Korbin Steiner ran an outstanding, efficient court, and I do appreciate her helping us understand each step in clear and concise details. I am so thankful to all her personnel who helped her run the courtroom.”
Jurors, like Pepper Groat, are a vital part of American democracy, and all citizens must fulfill their duty and respond to their summons. The United States Constitution and the Arizona State Constitution guarantee the right to trial by jury. All Maricopa County residents are obligated by state law to serve as a juror unless they are under the age of 18, not a citizen and/or have been convicted of a felony and their civil rights have not been restored.
Juror Experience Improvements
The Data
