Jury Diversity in Washington: A Hollow Promise or Hopeful Future?

The Washington State Minority and Justice Commission, in partnership with Washington Appleseed, is proud to announce that it will host its annual symposium on May 24, 2017 at the Temple of Justice in Olympia, Washington. This year’s symposium is entitled, “Jury Diversity in Washington: A Hollow Promise or Hopeful Future?” More information about the symposium will be circulated and posted on the Commission’s website closer to the symposium date.

The Commission is looking for people of color who have been excused from jury service after appearing and answering questions posed by the court or counsel. If you have ever been excused from jury service, possibly for reasons related to your race or ethnicity, and would be willing to share about your experience, please email Jaime Hawk at jhawk@aclu-wa.org.

The Commission is also looking for Washington courts that have implemented initiatives to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of juries. This may include, but is not limited to, initiatives involving jury source lists, juror summonses, juror pay, and outreach in underrepresented communities (e.g., campaigns about the importance of jury participation). If you know of any courts involved in these types of efforts, please email me at carolyn.cole@courts.wa.gov.