Countys jury pay pilot closing

The Pierce County Superior Court has announced that its jury pay pilot program will conclude by mid-May, transitioning juror compensation from $100 back to $10 per day. Launched on October 14, 2023, this initiative aimed to investigate whether higher pay could enhance the representativeness of jury pools. The final trials with jurors participating in this pilot will start the week of April 14, marking an important phase in the court’s efforts to increase civic engagement. Funded by the Washington State Legislature, the program received support from the Washington State Supreme Court Minority and Justice Commission, reflecting a commitment to addressing barriers in jury service. A thorough study conducted by the Washington State Center for Court Research will analyze the demographic surveys collected during the pilot and compare them to historical data from Pierce County jurors.

This research is expected to yield valuable insights into the impact of increased juror pay on jury diversity. As the court prepares to revert to the original compensation, it acknowledges the potential challenges this may pose for many jurors. The court remains dedicated to finding ways to support jurors while advocating for permanent pay increases.