The committee works with project staff to develop the jury charges, agenda and selection of witnesses. The survey provides baseline data on issue knowledge and attitudes as well as demographics. Jury Selection - citizens are randomly selected from the survey to create jury panels that are a microcosm of the community in terms of race, gender, education, political affiliation, geographic location and age. They hold a preliminary discussion of the issues involved and hear an overview of the topic from a neutral expert. Hearings - over several days, expert witnesses are called to address the key topics and discuss the issues with the jurors.
Jurors question the witnesses in order to make conclusions and recommendations.
Results - after final deliberation, the jury issues its findings, which are announced to the public. They also make public their evaluation of the process and its control. Juror's travel, lodging and daily expenses are paid. It was important to measure how much Minnesota residents knew about electric restructuring issues. The issue had received some media coverage and there were a series of statewide hearings on the issue.