Washington State Jury Commission

Preamble

Citizens called to jury duty perform a vital service to the community. The justice system cannot function without citizens willing to serve as jurors. Citizen jurors should always be treated with respect.

Accordingly, in making these recommendations, the Commission has been guided by the following principles:

1. Jurors are entitled to be fairly compensated for their service;
2. Jurors are entitled to be treated with courtesy, respect, and consideration;
3. Jurors are entitled to freedom from discrimination;
4. Jurors are entitled to have their privacy interests carefully considered;
5. Jurors are entitled to comfortable, convenient, and legally compliant facilities;
6. Jurors are entitled to be fully informed of trial schedules;
7. Jurors are entitled to be informed of the trial process and the applicable law in plain and clear language;
8. Jurors are entitled to take notes during trial, ask questions, and have them answered as permitted by law.
9. Jurors are entitled to have questions and requests that arise or are made during deliberations fully answered and met as allowed by law.
10. Jurors are entitled to be offered appropriate assistance from the court when they experience serious anxieties or stress as a result of jury service.
11. Jurors are entitled to express concerns, complaints, and recommendations to court authorities.