Connecticut Senate Bill SB00960

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/11
• Refer: 2/16/11
• Report Pass: 4/15/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/3/11

Caption

An Act Exempting Immediate Family Members Of Murder And Manslaughter Victims From The Jury Summoning Process In Certain Criminal Actions.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will affect the juror selection process by formally excluding immediate family members of murder and manslaughter victims from being summoned for jury duty. This change recognizes the need to provide comfort and psychological relief to families directly impacted by violent crime. The proposed legislation would modify state laws to allow these individuals the right to opt-out without penalty, thereby reshaping how familial relationships to victims are considered in the context of jury service.

Summary

Substitute Bill No. 960 seeks to amend the current juror qualification law by creating an exemption for immediate family members of murder and manslaughter victims from the jury summoning process in certain criminal actions. This legislation is designed to alleviate the emotional burden that could arise from having to participate in jury duty while being close relatives of victims of violent crimes. The bill reflects an understanding of the trauma associated with such losses and aims to provide support for families still grappling with grief rather than placing them in potentially re-traumatizing situations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB00960 is generally positive among supporters who see it as a compassionate measure for individuals who are already facing unimaginable hardship. Advocates of the bill highlight that this exemption serves to protect the welfare of grieving families. However, it is essential to note that some concerns may arise regarding the potential for abuse of such exemptions, with opponents questioning whether it could lead to jury pool shortages or perceptions of bias in cases involving victims from influential families.

Contention

While the primary focus of SB00960 is to provide a level of comfort to grieving families, there is a contention regarding the fairness and logistics of jury selection processes. Opponents might argue that restrictions based on familial relations could create an imbalance in jury representations, particularly in high-profile murder cases. Nonetheless, the bill's intent is rooted in humanitarian grounds, which may overshadow these concerns in legislative discussions.