NCJ Number
94152
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1984) Pages: 207-212
Date Published
1984
Length
6 pages
Annotation
California's expansion of jury selection lists to include all licensed drivers as well as registered voters has done little to correct the unrepresentativeness of central district jury panels.
Abstract
The same is probably true for the nine other court districts within the Los Angeles County Superior Court system in addition to the district studied. Study data came from questionnaires completed by 3,700 jurors who served before the 1981 change in the selection system and 1,466 panelists who served during February 1982. Their characteristics were compared with 1980 Los Angeles County census figures on sex, age, race, education, and income. The three groups were similar with respect to sex. However, age categories showed substantial variances from population figures both before and after the change in jury selection procedure. People aged 18 to 20 were significantly underrepresented both before and after the change. Persons over age 70 were also underrepresented, while those aged 41-50 and 51-60 were overrepresented. Blacks were greatly overrepresented; Hispanics were underrepresented. Those with less education and lower income were also underrepresented. However, the expanded population base provides access and input into the system for several million people who would otherwise be excluded. Tightening the process by which some people are excused from jury duty would help improve the system. Curtailing the use of peremptory challenges of jurors might also make better use of the jurors who are available. Future changes in the jury process should have the main goal of ensuring that juries reflect the diversity of the population. Data tables, footnotes, and eight references are provided.