August 5, 2005

Wayne juries lack diversity

African-Americans are routinely underrepresented among prospective Wayne County jurors, prompting concern that courts may be accused of denying defendants a fair trial. About 42 percent of Wayne County residents are black, but only 27 percent of the jurors who report for jury duty are black, the court found in an ongoing voluntary demographic survey that started in March 2004. It\'s the second time in a decade that Michigan \'s most populous and diverse county is trying to improve the demographic mix of jurors in a region where race is often at the center of law enforcement concerns. Race is only one aspect of diversity, but it is a dominant concern in legal circles. The standard test is whether a clear segment of the public is fairly represented by those who are called for jury duty, said David Moran, a law professor at Wayne State University .

Subscribe to Today@Wayne

Direct to your inbox twice a week

Related articles