Pierce County thanks its jurors

The Pierce County Council recognized June as Juror Appreciation Month during its June 10 meeting, celebrating the invaluable role of jurors in the justice system. Judge Susan Adams received the proclamation, emphasizing the importance of jurors who rearrange their lives to serve. In 2024, the Pierce County Superior Court issued over 83,000 jury summonses, with nearly 16,000 residents responding. The council highlighted the Paid Jury Duty Pilot Program, which raised juror compensation from $10 to $100 per day, aiming to reduce financial barriers and enhance representation. Funded by a $1.

5 million appropriation from the Washington State Legislature, the program attracted over 3,000 jurors. The Washington State Center for Court Research will conduct a study comparing pilot demographic data to historical surveys to assess the program's impact. Results from this research are anticipated in late 2025, potentially informing future legislative efforts to modernize juror compensation. This initiative underscores the community's commitment to ensuring civic participation in the justice system.