NCJ Number
156210
Journal
Judicature Volume: 78 Issue: 6 Dated: (May-June 1995) Pages: 273-275
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Accommodations to facilitate access to jury service for people with disabilities are discussed.
Abstract
This article, containing highlights of a guide published by the American Bar Association, offers practical steps on how to ensure that jury service is accessible to people with disabilities. Specific areas cited as in need of change include state laws and court rules referencing juror service and court procedure, i.e., the pretrial, trial, and deliberation stages. Key areas in State laws and court rules targeted for change are: source lists, nondiscrimination statements, juror qualifications and disqualifications, exemptions and excuses, and mandates for accommodations. Source lists should ensure that people with disabilities are included and not excluded unintentionally, e.g., in States where only drivers license lists are used, excluding blind people. Disability and age discrimination prohibitions should be specifically mentioned in jury statutes prohibiting juror discrimination. Categorical exclusions of disabled jurors and automatic exemptions from jury service should be eliminated. Uniform mandated accommodations such as computer-aided transcription, assisted listening, and sign language interpreters would clarify juror rights. Changes in court procedure discussed include providing necessary forms in large print or Braille, jury boxes with ramps or other wheelchair access, scheduling breaks on an as-needed basis, interpreters, real-time reporters, and readers in the deliberations room. Local disability agencies and groups can serve to educate people with disabilities and court personnel about their respective rights and responsibilities. Footnotes