Juror wages

THE ISSUE

Alabamians called to serve on juries receive among the lowest compensation in the nation for their time. The Legislature should review and upgrade jury duty compensation.

Anyone who has been called to serve on a circuit court jury in Alabama knows the reward lies almost solely in fulfilling a vital civic duty. The monetary compensation offered to jurors by the state is a pittance, at best, as is the mileage payment.

Jurors are paid $10 a day and 5 cents per mile for travel to and from the courthouse. Compared to most states, that's a miserly sum of money.

Surprisingly, few who are chosen for jury duty complain. Shoals area court officials say most people consider it a civic duty to serve when called, which is admirable. The American justice system is built on the right of defendants to be tried by a jury of their peers.

But $10 a day doesn't amount to much compensation in today's economy, and 5 cents per mile won't come close to covering the cost of gasoline to and from the courthouse. The compensation for jurors was last adjusted by the Legislature 30 years ago.

Fortunately, state law requires employers to continuing paying the salaries of workers chosen to serve on juries. But that is little comfort for those who are self-employed or who are stay-at-home parents. For them, the sacrifice is great.

Unfortunatley, there has been no discussion among legislators about increasing compensation for jurors. But state Rep. Marcel Black, D-Tuscumbia, said he plans to broach the subject later this year when the Legislature meets.

While most people seem content to serve with little compensation, the Legislature should consider raising the amount paid to those who are self-employed and to those who suffer undue financial hardship when called to be jurors. The gas mileage allowance should also be increased to the amount paid to state employees. Jurors are, in a sense, employees of the state.

Other states have recognized the importance of fair compesation to jurors; Alabama should do the same.

In Arkansas, for example, daily compensation for jurors is now $50, which was raised this year from $20 a day. Federal jurors receive $40 a day plus travel expenses.

The effects of inflation alone in the past 30 years should be reason enough for the Legislature to revise juror compensation.

Everyone expects to make some sacrifices when called upon by their government to perform civic duties. But the scarifices should not be so severe as to cause undue financial hardship. For that reason, some compensatory common sense is needed.