State of the States survey of jury improvement efforts
Jury improvement efforts by state
Using data collected between 2018 and 2023, our experts have taken an in-depth look at how states are bolstering their jury management strategies. This series of reports examines nine key areas of focus and offers a comparison to a similar state-by-state study on juries conducted in 2007.
Who should read this?
- Judges, court administrators & legal professionals: Get a state-by-state breakdown of issues impacting jury trials and how courts are addressing them
- Court clerks & security staff: Learn more about voir dire practices and methods for measuring the performance of your court's jury operations
Why the State of the States reports matter
These new reports update our 2007 survey on jury improvement, analyzing trends in jury operations, trial procedures, and legal infrastructure. They highlight how courts have enhanced jury operations and offer insight into current challenges and future opportunities.
Estimated reading time: 60 minutes
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Top takeaways
Our latest survey is broken into nine sections focused on a specific issue to help define problems and highlight solutions.
A downhill trend for trials
Jury trials have declined significantly since 2007, and the pandemic has accelerated this trend. See state-by-state jury trial rates and the factors driving the decline.
The truth about voir dire
Voir dire practices vary widely, impacting the degree jury pools are representative of their communities. In this deep dive section, we explore how courts manage jury selection and the impact of voir dire practices.
Lasting pandemic fallout
The pandemic caused massive disruption, with 2020 seeing a record-low number of jury trials. The pandemic also left behind plenty of challenges, which are examined for long-term implications.
Impact of metrics on jury operations
Using metrics to gauge data such as jury yield and juror utilization can lead to better jury operations. This report explores how courts assess efficiency and offers insights into best practices for securing more diverse juries.
The criminal trial dilemma
Although central to our justice system, criminal jury trials are becoming increasingly rare. This deep dive analyzes trends in felony and misdemeanor trials and showcases efforts to protect rights while ensuring trial efficiency​.
Jury operations from court to court
While fundamental for all courts, jury operations tend to vary by jurisdiction. In this report, we examine how different courts create jury lists, summon jurors, and manage juror participation.
The public's view of jury service
Many courts have worked hard to improve jury service through better compensation, lower service terms, and improved public education. Here we evaluate reform efforts and look at the public perception of jury duty.
Challenges of high-profile trials
From enhanced security to the jury selection process, high-profile trials create circumstances that warrant special attention. In this deep dive, our experts analyze how courts handle intense media scrutiny, protect jurors, and maintain trial integrity.
Changing face of civil trials
The advent of alternative methods to resolve civil disputes has made jury trials less common. This report examines the factors behind the decline and highlights the importance of preserving the jury trial system for civil cases.
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Center for Jury Studies
Improving the jury experience through effective and efficient management that promotes public trust and confidence.