A newlaw will more than double what Illinois jurors are paid while reducing the size of civil case juries. It’s earning mixed reviews from criminal justice experts.
Gov. Pat Quinn signed the measure on Friday. Supporters say it could lead to more diverse juries and offset anticipated costs by cutting back jurors from 12 to 6 in civil cases.
Some counties are concerned about picking up the tab. Researchers and advocacy groups believe smaller juries mean less impartial verdicts.
Illinois currently hovers near the bottom of U.S. states when it comes to state-set rates, varying by county--between $4 and $10 a day, more in some places. The new law, which takes effect in June, raises the rate to $25 the first day and $50 after.