Encouraging People of Color to Serve on Juries and Paid Jury Duty Leave

WHEREAS, various studies (including but not limited to "The Process is the Punishment: Jury Demographics and Case Administration on State Courts" by Jean N. Lee) and judicial opinions have concluded that the demographic composition of a jury can adversely affect both the outcome of the trial and the punitive action taken; and

WHEREAS, defendants of color cannot rely on a fair trial with a jury of their peers if there are too few people of color in the jury pool; and

WHEREAS, if their employers do not offer paid jury duty leave, people of color are less likely to serve on juries because the lack of income will create economic hardship.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP educate and strongly encourage people of color to answer the call to serve on juries whenever possible; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls upon all private employers to compensate their employees at the term rate of pay for service on juries.