| REDRESS |
|
|
JURY REFORMS Las Vegas Review Journal, Editorial Section, 11-03-02, P. 2D The Nevada Supreme Court's Jury Improvement Commission has spent a year holding hearings and gathering suggestions for improving and modernizing jury procedures in Nevada. The panel's final recommendations are out, and they offer several worthwhile reforms. The proposal which will attract the most attention would raise juror pay from $15 a day plus mileage to $40 a day with a mileage reimbursement only for those jurors who must travel more than 65 miles. By limiting mileage payouts and eliminating the $9 appearance fee which automatically goes to prospective jurors who aren't selected for trials, this should actually save taxpayers money in the long run - and encourage more citizens to serve. Other laudable recommendations would broaden the jury pool by eliminating automatic exemptions from service for doctors, lawyers, law enforcement officers and other professionals; would formally establish the "one day, one trial" policy, which releases potential jurors from their obligation when they are not selected for a trial on the first day they report for service; and would allow jurors to keep notebooks and ask questions of witnesses during trials. On the down side, the panel let stand the proposal which would allow judges to allow jurors to remain anonymous "on rare and extraordinary occasions." The accused have the right to know the identities of those who sit in judgment of them... and the public needs the assurance that trials are being decided by juries comprising impartial citizens. To enhance confidence in the fairness and openness of the courts, this recommendation should be rejected. Otherwise, though, the commissioners came up with a sensible set of proposals. Now it's up to the courts and Legislature to transform these suggestions into policy. WORKING TOGETHER TO ATTAIN FAIRNESS | ||
|
|
||
|
| ||
|
| ||
