Increasing the nominal fee jurors currently collect for their jury service. In May 2000, PMC helped the Court of Common Pleas organize a Juror Appreciation Day to thank those who serve as jurors, to promote participation in jury service through public awareness of its importance, and to kick off an education campaign focused on the importance of jury service. The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Daily News and several local papers published articles recently about jury service in Philadelphia. The Inquirer article focused on the importance of citizen participation in jury service and the impact a low juror turnout rate has on the court system. Also, places to eat, visit and shop, located within walking distance of the Criminal Justice Center and City Hall, were listed for those jurors who want to stroll around town during the lunch break.
Community education is also integral to promoting citizen participation in jury service.
People need to be informed about the importance of responding to a summons for jury service and taking part in this civic duty. PMC is in the process of organizing outreach and developing materials for distribution throughout Pennsylvania to provide general information on the justice system and to answer frequently asked questions about jury service. Classroom education is another very important aspect of promoting citizen participation in jury service. Currently, PMC is collaborating with the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Pennsylvania Bar Association to put in place a civics program in elementary schools throughout the state focused on jury service. The program provides teachers with a lesson plan along with an interactive CD-ROM that allows students to participate as jurors in a mock trial.