Wisconsin Senate Bill SB405

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/8/23
• Refer: 9/8/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Excusing certain persons from jury service. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, SB405 will modify how jury service is managed within the state's judicial system. The bill stipulates that clerks of circuit courts must notify potential jurors over seventy of their right to be excused and ensure that those who elect this option are removed from future jury lists. By implementing this system, the bill recognizes the changing demographics of the population and aims to accommodate the needs of older citizens. This could potentially lessen the number of older jurors summoned, thereby impacting jury composition and representation for cases requiring jurors.

Summary

Senate Bill 405 aims to amend existing laws related to jury service, specifically granting an exemption for individuals aged 70 and above. Under the proposed legislation, individuals who meet this age criteria will have the option to decline jury service for either the coming jury year or for all future jury duties. This change is intended to simplify the process for older citizens who may find the demands of jury service burdensome, recognizing their potential needs and limitations as they age. The bill outlines the procedure whereby prospective jurors must be informed of this right to excusal when they receive their juror qualification form from the court clerks.

Contention

While the intent of SB405 is generally seen as positive—providing relief to senior citizens—there may be concerns about potential implications for the judicial system. Some critics suggest that by excusing older individuals from jury service, the diversity of juries could be diminished, as older community members often provide valuable perspectives in legal proceedings. Furthermore, there may be discussions surrounding the fairness of applying this exemption and how it might set a precedent for future age-based exclusions from civic duties.