Pierce County thanks jurors by proclamation

Each June, the Pierce County Council declares the month of June as Juror Appreciation Month, and the proclamation was again brought at the council’s June 10 meeting.

Jury duty is a cornerstone of American democracy, guaranteeing one of the most fundamental rights: a fair trial by one’s peers. It requires everyday people to rearrange their lives, from work schedules to family obligations, to uphold justice in our community.

Pierce County Superior Court Judge Susan Adams was there to receive the proclamation.

“We are honored to be able to honor our jurors not just in June by every month of the year,” she told the council. “We simply could not function, and our system of justice could not function without the amazing volunteers from our community who come and serve as jurors.” 

In 2024 alone, the Pierce County Superior Court issued more than 83,000 jury summonses, with nearly 16,000 residents responding to the call. The proclamation recognizes that community members must take time away from their families and businesses to serve as jurors each year, often putting their lives on hold for the duration of their jury service.

A notable highlight of the past year was the launch of a Paid Jury Duty Pilot Program, which raised juror compensation from $10 to $100 per day to reduce financial barriers and increase representation in jury pools. 

This initiative, funded by a $1.5 million appropriation from the Washington State Legislature and supported by the Washington State Supreme Court Minority and Justice Commission, aimed to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent citizens from fulfilling their civic obligations. More than 3,000 jurors participated in this historic initiative.

The Washington State Center for Court Research will conduct a comprehensive study comparing demographic data from the pilot to historical juror surveys, evaluating whether increased pay improved representation across income levels, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and other marginalized communities. This research, slated for completion in late 2025, will inform future legislative efforts to permanently modernize juror compensation.

In 2024, Pierce County Superior Court issued more than 83,000 jury summonses, with nearly 16,000 residents responding.