Policy Issue: Week 7
In at least 300 words, answer the following prompt:
The Sixth Amendment enumerates a number of rights of the accused, among which is the right to trial “by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed.” How precisely to achieve this, however, is not specified. The jury selection process used today in most US jurisdictions attempts to provide for this through random selection of individuals from the pool of eligible jurors, at which point both sides can challenge prospective jurors. This process leaves a number of areas of potential bias. What actions do you think policymakers should take to address potential bias in juries? Explain your reasoning.
For background information and context, you should consult the following resources in developing your answers:
This article from Harvard Magazine about felony convictions and jury service: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2021/06/felons-and-juries
This article from Boston College Law School Magazine about bias in jury selection: https://lawmagazine.bc.edu/2022/09/combatting-jury-selection-bias/
This academic article about different types of bias in jury selection: 81LaLRev165.pdf
This academic article discussing one possible solution: 2018UIllLRev.pdf
