philadelphia jury selection commission

Philadelphia Jury Selection Commission: How Jurors Are Chosen

The Philadelphia Jury Selection Commission is responsible for selecting potential jurors for the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court of Philadelphia. This process ensures a fair cross-section of the community is considered for jury duty, a critical component of the American justice system.

What is the Philadelphia Jury Selection Commission?

The Commission operates as an independent entity tasked with compiling and managing the master list of potential jurors. Their primary function is to randomly select individuals from various sources, such as voter registration lists and driver’s license records, to receive a jury summons. The Commission is committed to providing Philadelphia residents with equitable access to participate in jury service.

The Jury Selection Process in Philadelphia

The jury selection process unfolds in several key stages:

Compiling the Master List

The Commission gathers names and addresses from public databases like voter registration, driver’s licenses and state identification card records maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This helps ensure that a diverse pool of potential jurors is created.

Sending Jury Summons

Individuals randomly selected from the master list receive a jury summons in the mail, instructing them to report for jury duty on a specific date. This summons also includes a questionnaire to determine eligibility.

Qualifying Jurors

Prospective jurors must complete the questionnaire and return it to the Commission. The questionnaire gathers information about their qualifications, such as residency, age, and any past felony convictions that would disqualify them from serving. Based on the responses, some individuals may be excused or deferred from service due to valid reasons.

Voir Dire (Jury Selection in the Courtroom)

Once a pool of qualified jurors is assembled, the voir dire process begins in the courtroom. During voir dire, attorneys and the judge question potential jurors to determine their suitability for a specific case. The goal is to identify any biases or prejudices that might prevent them from rendering a fair and impartial verdict. Attorneys can challenge potential jurors “for cause” or use peremptory challenges to remove them from the jury pool.

Why is the Jury Selection Commission Important?

The Philadelphia Jury Selection Commission plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system. By ensuring a diverse and representative jury pool, the Commission upholds the principle that every defendant has the right to be judged by a jury of their peers. This promotes public trust in the fairness and impartiality of the courts.

FAQs About Jury Selection in Philadelphia

Q: How can I be excused from jury duty in Philadelphia?

A: You can request to be excused or have your service deferred by completing the questionnaire included with your summons and providing documentation that supports your request. Common reasons for excuse include age (75 or older), having sole responsibility for the care of a child or disabled person, or having a serious medical condition.

Q: What happens if I ignore a jury summons in Philadelphia?

A: Ignoring a jury summons can result in legal penalties, including fines and even a contempt of court charge. It’s important to respond to the summons even if you believe you are not qualified to serve.

Q: How long does jury duty last in Philadelphia?

A: In Philadelphia, jury duty typically lasts for one trial or one day of service if you are not selected for a jury.

Q: How are jurors compensated in Philadelphia?

A: Jurors in Philadelphia receive a small per diem payment for each day of service. This amount is intended to cover expenses such as transportation and meals.

Q: How does Philadelphia ensure a diverse jury pool?

A: The Commission uses a variety of sources, including voter registration and driver’s license lists, to create a large and diverse pool of potential jurors. This helps ensure that the jury pool reflects the demographics of the community.

Summary

The Philadelphia Jury Selection Commission serves as the backbone of the city’s jury system, working diligently to create a fair and impartial jury pool. Through a multi-stage process of compiling lists, sending summonses, and qualifying jurors, the Commission ensures that Philadelphians have the opportunity to participate in this essential civic duty.