Assessing Jury Representativeness in In-Person and Virtual Trials in Travis County, Texas

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Jury duty is one of the most important civic duties within our democracy. Juries serve as a fundamental safeguard of our civil liberties, guaranteeing defendants accused of crimes by the state with a fair and impartial jury of their “peers”. However, many counties summon potential from a master list of registered voters and residents with driver’s licenses. These lists more often exclude racial and ethnic minorities and low socioeconomic individuals as they are less likely to be registered to vote and possess a driver’s license. Additional barriers (e.g., residential stability, juror disqualification) further increase racial and other demographic disparities in jury participation, often resulting in unrepresentative juries. To address disparities and increase jury participation, Travis County has created a more convenient online jury management system. Its impact on jury diversity is unclear. Since the pandemic, Travis County has held civil district court trials virtually. Anecdotal evidence suggests the convenience of virtual trials has increased jury diversity. This study will build on the work of Rose & Brinkman (2008) by evaluating racial and other demographic differences between those who show up for jury duty versus those who fail to do so and between virtual and in-person trials. Implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Elisa Descartes, Texas State University

• Angela M. Jones, Texas State University