FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gard's Jury Duty Bill Takes Effect July 1
STATEHOUSE—Beginning July 1, a law to improve jury pools across the state will go into effect. Public Law 4-2006, authored by State Senator Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield) eliminates several unwarranted jury duty exemptions from current statute.
Before July 1, dentists, veterinarians, people over 65, legislators and even ferry boat captains can claim an exemption to avoid jury duty. These exemptions, added to law throughout the years for various reasons, don't make sense today, Gard said.
“Current jury exemptions are discriminatory, arbitrary, and unfair,” Gard said. “The goal of the jury system is to allow defendants a trial with a jury of their peers. Eliminating people from the pool of potential jurors is not something the General Assembly should do.”
Gard has offered this bill for several years, but it was often opposed by those who enjoyed exemptions, who thought being forced to leave their job for a period of time without much notice would be detrimental to business.
Gard was able to assist these groups by allowing a jury duty deferral. Under the deferral, a prospective juror may delay their duty for up to one year due to hardship, extreme inconvenience, or necessity. This gives people ample time to plan ahead.
The new law also protects employees who are serving jury duty from adverse effects by their employers. The bill has a provision that prevents employers from taking any negative action against employees who must serve jury duty as long as the employer is given reasonable notice. The employer may not require a person summoned for duty to use vacation or sick days to make up for the absence. Provisions allowing for judicial discretion in disqualifying an individual who is physically or mentally incapable of serving remain the same as in current law.
Provisions of the new law were based on recommendations made by the Jury Committee of the Indiana Judicial Conference and were supported by the Indiana Supreme Court.
“This bill is very important to maintaining a fair justice system,” Gard said. “Citizens must understand that their role as a juror is an important part of the court system. They will be able to honor their civic responsibility without being penalized by their employer.”
The bill passed both houses of the General Assembly unanimously earlier this year.
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