Jurors Are Badly Paid

There is a fundamental reason why jurors are poorly treated (Times, Feb. 3): They are inexpensive! Jurors get paid just $5 per day.

The main problem with such low pay is that it devalues jurors’ time and dignity. It encourages the court to treat jurors shabbily, like a low-value commodity. A lawyer makes more in an hour than a jury of 12 people makes in a day.

Years ago, when jurors were paid $10 a day (probably equivalent to $25 today), the entire system seemed to move faster. Lawyers and judges seemed more considerate about wasting jurors’ time. They made do with fewer prospective jurors, and jurors spent less time cooling their heels in boring surroundings.

WILLIAM BUCHMAN

Los Angeles