Louisiana House Bill HR219

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/23/19
• Passed: 5/30/19

Caption

Requests the Vera Institute of Justice to study certain eligibility and qualification requirements for jurors

Impact

The bill serves to address existing biases in the juror selection process, particularly the long-standing notion that formerly incarcerated individuals are inherently biased and unsuitable to serve on juries. The resolution calls for comprehensive research into these eligibility requirements and how they affect the jury pool, emphasizing the need for a more diverse source list that aligns with constitutional mandates. This has the potential to significantly influence legislation regarding jury composition and representation in Louisiana.

Summary

House Resolution 219 urges and requests the Vera Institute of Justice to conduct a study on juror eligibility requirements as defined by the Code of Criminal Procedure. The resolution highlights the importance of ensuring that juries represent a fair cross-section of the community, which is essential for upholding the defendant's right to a trial by an impartial jury, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 17 of the Louisiana Constitution. It advocates for a critical analysis of current practices that may be limiting the pool of potential jurors, particularly regarding the exclusion of formerly incarcerated individuals.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HR 219 is centered around the necessity for reform within the juror selection process. Advocates for this resolution believe that ensuring diversity among jurors will lead to more objective decision-making and fairer verdicts. However, there may also be contention from those who hold traditional views regarding jury eligibility, particularly regarding the exclusion of individuals with criminal histories. Overall, the sentiment leans towards the need for increased representation and fairness in the jury system.

Contention

One notable point of contention highlighted in the resolution is the current disqualification of individuals who have been convicted of felonies and have not received a pardon. The resolution references studies demonstrating that formerly incarcerated jurors perform similarly in deliberations compared to their peers, further calling into question the rationale behind their exclusion. This raises broader discussions about criminal justice reform and the societal perceptions of individuals with criminal records, potentially leading to significant discussions and future legislative changes regarding juror eligibility.