Juror Pay Gap in D.C. Courts Targeted in New Bill

By Stacy M. Brown

Senior Global Correspondent

A measure introduced in Congress seeks to ensure that residents who serve on juries in the District of Columbia’s local courts receive the same compensation as those serving in federal court, a change supporters say would strengthen fairness in a system that relies on ordinary citizens to carry out one of democracy’s most important responsibilities.

“Our jurors deserve equal compensation for this important civic duty that our federal counterparts receive,” said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District’s nonvoting representative in Congress.

Norton has reintroduced the District of Columbia Juror Pay Parity Act, legislation that would require D.C. Superior Court to pay jurors the same amount provided in federal courts. The bill seeks to ensure consistency in compensation for residents who perform jury service in the city’s local trial court, which handles criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family cases, and other matters affecting District residents.

In a statement accompanying the legislation, Norton said the District’s courts play a critical role in the daily life of the city and its residents.

“The District of Columbia’s local courts oversee crucial matters that impact our residents and the city,” Norton said.

Under current practice, federal jurors are generally paid a base fee of $50 per day of service. The amount can increase to $60 per day after 10 consecutive days of service on a petit jury. Federal jurors also receive reimbursement for reasonable transportation expenses such as mileage and parking. For longer proceedings, the higher daily rate may apply after extended service, including after 45 days for grand jurors.

Federal government employees who are called for jury duty typically receive their regular salary instead of the daily juror attendance fee. Courts issue a tax form if a juror earns more than $600 in attendance fees in a calendar year. Jurors may also receive mileage reimbursement at the federal government rate and compensation for meals and lodging when overnight stays are required.

In the District’s local court system, jurors serving in D.C. Superior Court are currently paid $50 per day for service along with a $7 travel subsidy. That brings the daily total to $57, according to information from the court system. Those who report for jury duty but are not selected also receive the same daily amount.

Certain jurors may not receive the attendance payment. Government employees or workers whose employers continue paying their salary during jury service may be excluded from the daily fee. The court also provides services intended to make jury duty more accessible, including free Wi-Fi and childcare for children age two and a half or older.

Payments for jurors serving in D.C. Superior Court are generally issued at the end of a trial or provided by check once service is completed.

Norton said the legislation is necessary because Congress maintains authority over the District’s court system. Under the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997, Congress assumed responsibility for funding the District’s local courts. The courts themselves remain under congressional authority, and the District government cannot pass legislation affecting them because the D.C. Home Rule Act bars the D.C. Council from enacting laws related to Title 11 of the D.C. Code, which governs the structure and jurisdiction of the courts.

Title 11 also gives the Board of Judges of the Superior Court authority to set juror compensation.

Norton told lawmakers that the issue warrants congressional action and urged them to approve the legislation.

“I urge my colleagues to support this bill,” Norton said.