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If you’ve been to the Regional Justice Center recently, you’ve probably seen the white canopy covering the information booth at the south end of the building. It looks as if there is a top-secret project going on; perhaps an alien autopsy or secret art installation. Although these theories are intriguing, the truth is the white canopy near the south entrance is phase-one of a jury services improvement project. The new design will streamline the registration of jurors as they enter the building. The new user-friendly system will enable computer registration with a jury services employee stationed to help with registration, offer directions and address questions. Upgrades are also in the works for the jury services room including: seats with charging stations, big-screen TV’s and coffee. It’s all part of a plan to improve the experience of potential jurors while they wait to be brought to a courtroom for voir dire. That’s the part when they interview people to determine who will actually serve on the jury.
There are many reasons why the opportunity to serve jury duty is a great experience.
Top 10 reasons to serve on a jury
- Jury service is interesting. – Serving on a jury can be a very interesting, informative and rewarding life experience. It gives those who serve on a jury a front row seat to our justice system and valuable insight on how it works.
- Jury duty offers a better understanding of the justice system. – In reality, jury duty lasts only one day if required to appear for the majority of people. On average, only 50 percent of people end up being required to report when summoned; seven percent end up being sent to the courtroom; and only one percent actually serve on a jury. The average jury trials in the Eighth Judicial District Court last three to five days (there are exceptions).
- Jury trials are guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. – By serving as a juror you are fulfilling a fundamental American right guaranteed by the Constitution.
- You are a guardian of justice. – Jury service is one way to have a hand in the justice system and know first-hand that it is fair.
- It is an opportunity to meet new people and gain a new perspective. – It is not uncommon for jurors to bond during the experience of serving as a juror. It is a shared experience with a common goal to reach justice.
- It is time well spent. In reality, jury duty for the majority of people lasts only one day if required to appear. On average, only 50 percent of people end up being required to report when summoned; seven percent end up being sent to a courtroom; and only one percent actually serve on a jury. The average jury trial in the Eighth Judicial District Court lasts three to five days (there are exceptions). Jurors are very rarely sequestered.
- For those selected it is a valuable life experience. – Serving on a jury is an opportunity to experience something in life that not everyone can claim. Most countries around the world do not have jury trials.
- Jurors are compensated – while jury service does not pay as much as most jobs, seated jurors are paid $40 per day. In addition, many large employers continue to pay employees while they serve on juries. Please check with your employer regarding policies for juror pay.
- Many employers allow and encourage attendance – Employers recognize that jury service is an important responsibility. Some employers even pay their employees regular salary while they serve. Pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 6.190, employers MUST allow employees to attend jury duty and it is unlawful to take any action against a person for performing his or her civic duty. In addition, employers are prohibited from requiring employees to use sick leave or vacation time in order to serve jury duty. Employers also may not require employees to work within eight hours before serving, or to work if jury service (including travel time to and from court) will take four or more hours.
- Mileage reimbursement is offered for those outside Las Vegas city limits –The court provides mileage reimbursement if potential jurors live more than 65 miles away from the Regional Justice Center. Hotel accommodations may also be provided.
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