SJI supports research and data-driven approaches that examine statutory requirements, policies, and practices that result in disparities for justice-involved persons. These disparities can be because of inequities in socio-economic, racial, ethnic, gender, age, health, or other factors. In addition to identifying disparities, SJI promotes systemic approaches to reducing disparities.
An Evaluation of the Elimination of Peremptory Challenges in Arizona
To prevent discrimination in jury selection, the Arizona Supreme Court eliminated peremptory challenges. The National Center for State Court’s (NCSC) Center for Jury Studies will evaluate the impact of the rule change on the dynamics of jury selection, the demographic composition of juries, the efficiency of jury operations, the dynamics of jury deliberations, and public trust and confidence in the fairness of jury trials. The findings will inform judicial policymakers in Arizona and states considering similar changes.
Bias Education and Training Development
The New York State Unified Court System (UCS) will develop and implement a mandatory, comprehensive, cultural awareness, and procedural justice education and training program for all UCS judges and court staff with special emphasis on public safety officers. UCS will also evaluate the impact of this training on staff and court culture.
Master Jury Lists
The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) is supporting court policymakers in Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee and the Superior Court in Maricopa County, Arizona as they identify effective procedures for creating and maintaining master jury lists. With guidance from an advisory committee comprised of representatives from the Conference of Chief Justices/Conference of State Court Administrators Court Management Committee and the participating jurisdictions, the NCSC will assess the inclusiveness, representativeness, and record accuracy of current and potential juror source lists; the impact of matching criteria used to identify and remove duplicate records; and the impact of US Postal service National Change of Address (NCOA) updates and other techniques to maintain the accuracy of master jury list records. Based on research findings from the project, the NCSC will develop and publish updated best practice guidelines applicable for all state courts.
High Volume Calendars in D.C. Courts
The District of Columbia Courts is conducting an in-depth review of the Courts’ high-volume landlord and tenant, debt collection and mortgage foreclosure calendars. The National Center for State Courts will conduct an independent assessment of these calendars, seeking input from internal and external stakeholders. The goals of the project are to enhance access and fairness, and enhance efficiency. The NCSC will review existing rules, business practices and services available to litigants on these calendars and conduct surveys and focus groups of litigants, members of the public, bar members, institutional partners and other external stakeholders, as well as judges and court staff, to gather information.