Summary Observations

Among those who have had some involvement slightly fewer of the Washington residents, 44% say they have been on a jury compared to 46% nationally. In net, the incidence of those who say they have "ever been on a jury" is 24% in Washington and the same, 24% nationally. Criminal cases lead the list of most often mentioned court case types for jurors with 61% among Washington residents followed with civil cases 43%. Small claims cases, family relations and juvenile delinquency are less than 5% each.

Those who have been involved in the court system were also asked if they have ever been a defendant. Again, Washington residents are only slightly higher in incidence, 27% compared to the national study of 26% (among those who have had some court involvement). Criminal and civil cases account for approximately one third each as they type of case most mentioned.

Slightly more national survey participants cite being a plaintiff in a court case, 28%, versus the Washington survey sample with 26%.

Being a witness in either the national or the Washington survey is almost equal with 34% and 33% respectively.