Over the past four years, these basic goals have been translated into concrete improvements that jurors can see, feel and hear from the first day they report for service. Those summoned immediately notice that jury facilities are cleaner and better equipped for their comfort. They are greeted by staff who pride themselves on being responsive to citizen concerns. Thanks to new summoning methods and repeal of all automatic exemptions, there are many first-time jurors. Many of these are from occupations rarely seen in the jury room just a few years ago - doctors and lawyers, embalmers and prothetists, to name just a few.
Additional improvements become evident as the day goes on.
Those sent out for jury selection in civil cases find that this often-tedious process proceeds more quickly, as new rules have increased judicial oversight of the proceedings. Those selected for a criminal trial learn that due to recent legislation, they are less likely to be sequestered during deliberations. At the end of the day, many of those who have not been selected for a jury will appreciate another improvement. A system of jury facilities coordinators has been developed so that in every courthouse, a designated staff person monitors cleaning and maintenance needs. Clearly, progress has been made over the past four years.