to avoid serving on juries. Current statistical data states that of the nearly four million

juror affidavits mailed in the country in 1995-96, 36% did not respond, 15% were

undeliverable, 13% were returned for updating and 26% were excused as either

unqualified or due to hardship. This left only 10% who were qualified. Only half of

which actually served on juries! All of which makes quite apparant the horror many

amercans feel toward serving on juries. Americans see four major problems in the jury

system. The way jurors are chosed, the amount of money they are pated, child care, and

finally, the jurors right to ask questions during the trial. It is indisputable that the jury

system is one of the most important institutions of Amercan justice. "No other institution

of government rivals the jury in placing power so directly in the hands of citizens."

(Abramson 132). The problem oies in how we should go about fixing the jury system, in

people unable to have a jury of their peers. Either way, misrepresentation is rampant in

to the inevitable destruction of the jury system.

serving? New York has only recently executed a law allowing lawyers and doctors to

Furthermore, what of the doctors and lawyers who are automatically exepted from

exemption of many professionals, including lawyers, doctors, and judges decreases the

stand those who believe no rash reform is needed, 'if it is not broken do not fix it.' On

it a more pleasant experience. Overall consensus states that jury system is

the jury system. Furthermore, the low pay fuels the financial hardship excuses. The

has broadened the pool and left it more to chance. But, there are many critics toward this

the other side lie those who believe rash reform is the only way to go before we succumb

riboon commission, a committee appointed for the purpose of jury reform, has

and teh $35 million verdict overturned; the judge exclaiming that if anyone had paid

Some common words found in the essay are:
, House Delegates, jury system, prospective jurors, jury pool, rash reform, believe rash reform, believe rash, lawyers doctors, jury duty, serve juries, serving juries, chosen serve,
Approximate Word count = 709
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)