Connecticut Senate Bill SB00105

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/11
• Refer: 1/13/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Location Of Jury Service.

Impact

The impact of SB00105 is significant for jurors, as it aims to enhance local convenience and accessibility in the judicial system. By limiting the locations where jurors can be summoned, the law would prioritize the participation of residents in their localized legal systems, ensuring that they serve at courts closer to home. This potential reform seeks to improve juror compliance rates and reduce the burden on citizens who may have jobs, childcare responsibilities, or other commitments that make it difficult to travel long distances for jury duty.

Summary

SB00105, titled "An Act Concerning The Location Of Jury Service," aims to amend existing statutes regarding jury duty in Connecticut. The bill specifically seeks to ensure that no juror can be summoned for jury duty at a court location that is not within the judicial district or geographical area that includes their place of residence. This change addresses concerns related to the logistical challenges and inconveniences faced by jurors who might otherwise have to travel far distances for court appearances.

Contention

While the bill presents benefits, it may also lead to discussions regarding the operational capacity of local courts. There could be concerns about the equitable distribution of jurors across judicial districts, especially if some areas are more populated than others. Critics might argue that this could lead to a backlog of cases in regions with higher juror participation, necessitating a careful evaluation of how the changes will be implemented and managed within the wider context of the state judicial system.