Jury duty is one of the most important civic responsibilities in the United States, yet the system often feels undervalued and underfunded. My journey as a juror and an author of books like Brain Damage: A Juror’s Tale, Why Not Kill Her?, and Banquet of Consequences has given me a unique perspective on the process and the trials it involves—both inside and outside the courtroom.

Recently, I received a jury summons in Washington State. While I knew I wouldn’t be selected due to my experience as a death penalty juror nearly two decades ago, I couldn’t help but think about how little jurors are compensated for their time and effort. This topic isn’t just a passing thought for me; it’s a reflection of the broader struggles within our justice system, which I’ve explored in my books.

Jury Pay Across the United States

Jury duty pay is shockingly low in most states. Consider these examples:

• Alabama: $10/day
• Arizona: $12/day
• California: $15/day
• Kentucky: $12.50/day
• Minnesota: $20/day
• Missouri: $6/day
• Tennessee: $10/day
• Washington: $10/day

These figures are not only below minimum wage but also taxable, making the financial strain on jurors even greater. It's hard to reconcile this with the significant responsibility jurors bear in delivering justice.

My Recent Experience with Jury Duty

On Monday, October 21, 2024, I attended a Public Safety Budget Town Hall in Shoreline, Washington. The event included prominent figures like King County Councilmember Rob Demdowski, Superior Court Judge Sean O’Donnell, District Court Chief Presiding Judge Rebecca Robertson, and Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall.

The meeting was enlightening, and I had the opportunity to ask a question about jury pay. Specifically, I asked why jurors in Washington are paid only $10/day—a rate that hasn’t been adjusted in decades. Judge O’Donnell’s response surprised me.

I had assumed that jury pay was last reviewed in 1976, but he corrected me, stating that the most recent review was in 1950. He assured me that the state is now revisiting the issue, with discussions about raising the rate to $100/day. Additionally, they are exploring the idea of allowing jury summons to be handled via Zoom. If implemented, Washington could lead the way in modernizing jury duty practices.

While no firm dates have been set, these developments are promising. I’m grateful for the thoughtful discussion and the dedication of the judges, council members, and public officials who addressed this issue.

Reflections on Being a Juror

Serving as a juror is a profound experience. In Brain Damage: A Juror’s Tale, I recount my time on a death penalty case in Arizona. It was a life-changing event that taught me the immense responsibility jurors hold.

Through my books, I aim to shed light on the juror’s perspective—an angle often overlooked in discussions about the justice system. From the emotional weight of deciding someone’s fate in Why Not Kill Her? to the moral complexities of justice in Banquet of Consequences, each book explores the human side of courtroom drama.

If you’re intrigued by these stories, you can purchase my books here.

Why Jury Pay Needs Reform

Jury pay isn’t just about money; it’s about fairness and respect for the people who uphold our judicial system. Expecting citizens to sacrifice time and income for minimal compensation creates a barrier for many, particularly those who rely on hourly wages.

The move toward a $100/day rate in Washington would be a game-changer, making jury duty more accessible and equitable. Combined with virtual options like Zoom for initial jury selection, this could set a precedent for other states to follow.

A Call to Action

As citizens, we must advocate for changes in our jury system. Whether it’s fair pay, more efficient processes, or better support for jurors, these improvements are essential for a justice system that truly works for everyone.

My experience at the King County meeting left me hopeful. The conversations sparked there—and the potential changes on the horizon—highlight the importance of public involvement in shaping policy.

Final Thoughts

Jury duty is a cornerstone of democracy, and those who serve deserve to be valued. While my recent jury summons didn’t lead to my selection, it reminded me of the work still needed to ensure fairness in our system.

I’ll continue to follow developments on jury pay and share updates. In the meantime, I encourage you to explore my books for a deeper understanding of the juror’s role in justice. Each story captures the challenges, triumphs, and humanity of being part of the courtroom process.

You can find all my books here. Thank you for your support and for joining me in advocating for a more just and equitable system.