In Support of the American Bar Association Principles for Juries and Jury Trials
Resolution 14: In Support of the American Bar Association Principles for Juries and Jury Trials
WHEREAS, the jury trial is a vital part of our justice system, and jury service is a vital means by which citizens participate in the administration of justice; and
WHEREAS, the positive experience of jury service contributes to public trust and confidence in the courts and in the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, in recent years the jury has been the subject of both extensive research and widespread reform aided by the Center for Jury Studies of the National Center for State Courts; and
WHEREAS, the American Bar Association (ABA), under the leadership of Immediate Past President Robert Grey, established both the American Jury Project (to create new Principles for Juries and Jury Trials, updating and improving prior jury standards) and the American Jury Commission (to improve public awareness of and respect for jury service); and
WHEREAS, the ABA's Principles for Juries and Jury Trials provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating and improving each state's jury systems and jury service, and the ABA's Commission on the American Jury has developed public education materials; and
WHEREAS, the ABA under President Michael Greco has appointed the Commission on the American Jury Project to carry these efforts forward;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of Chief Justices:
- Encourages state courts to use the ABA Principles for Juries and Jury Trials as the standard against which to evaluate and improve their own jury system policies and procedures;
- Encourages all state courts to implement procedures and practices consistent with the ABA Principles for Juries and Jury Trials;
- Encourages state courts to continue to broaden efforts to educate and inform the public about jury service, and to enhance positive attitudes and opinions about jury service; and
- Supports the continued efforts of the American Bar Association through the Commission on the American Jury Project.
Adopted as proposed by the Court Management Committee at the 29th Midyear Meeting on January 18, 2006.