On November 15, 2023, the Commission submitted a letter to PA State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Jason Dawkins, offering its expertise and partnership on jury service matters in response to the legislators’ distribution of a memorandum soliciting support for a bill designed to increase juror compensation. In the letter, the Commission emphasized the direct link between adequate juror pay and delivering on the promise of “a jury of one’s peers.” The Commission also urged legislators to consider legislation focused on related measures that reduce barriers to jury service, such as providing reasonable reimbursement to jurors for out-of-pocket costs (e.g., parking, mileage, etc.), childcare, disability accommodations, and post-trial mental health support as needed.
The Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission
for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness
