After 43 Years, Juror Pay Triples --to $15 a Day

Jurors in California got a pay raise Tuesday, from $5 to $15 a day.

Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation that increased the stipend--believed to have been among the nation’s lowest--for the first time since 1957.

The state’s new budget includes $19.1 million for the boost, which is effective immediately.

Sponsored by Assemblywoman Carole Migden (D-San Francisco), the legislation was born of a growing clamor to improve juror participation.

In some California counties, as few as 6% of potential jurors return their mailed questionnaires, the first step toward jury duty. The nationwide response rate is 40%.

California Chief Justice Ronald George, a vocal advocate of better juror pay, told the Legislature earlier this year that most people are “treating [juror forms] like another piece of junk mail.”

A 1998 survey conducted by the National Center for State Courts found that jurors were upset about loss of income, poor treatment while serving and excessive waits in dingy rooms. Boosting pay is viewed as a key way to begin improving jurors’ experience.

Migden has joined George, who heads the state Judicial Council, in setting a goal of ultimately raising jurors’ compensation to meet the federal juror wage of $40 a day.

“We think this is a good first step,” said Sophia Kwong, a spokeswoman for Migden.

Other efforts to improve jurors’ experience include simplifying jury instructions. And some cities have created more comfortable juror waiting rooms.

The judicial council has a new Web site, https://www.courtinfo.ca.gov, that answers many frequently asked questions.