Law enhances minority representation on juries

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed a bill that encourages more minority representation on juries. House Bill 4403, sponsored by state Rep. Shanelle Jackson, helps reverse the under-representation of minorities on juries, particularly in Wayne County. Under the bill, potential jurors cannot be disqualified from service simply because they did not return juror questionnaires. Jury boards now will be required to send questionnaires to each person on a jury list, regardless of whether that person has failed to return a questionnaire in the past. "This new law addresses a contributing factor to the under-representation of minorities on juries," Snyder said. "A stronger, fairer judicial system benefits our entire state." The bill now is Public Act 3 of 2012. Visit www.legislature.mi.gov for more information on the bill. Published: Thu, Feb 9, 2012