Compensation provided by companies to employees fulfilling their civic obligation of jury service typically covers some or all of the employee’s regular wages during the service period. For instance, a company might continue to pay an employee their standard salary while they are on jury duty, offsetting any small stipend received from the court. This practice ensures that individuals are not financially penalized for participating in the judicial process.
Maintaining regular income for employees serving on juries is essential for several reasons. It promotes access to justice by removing a potential financial barrier to jury participation, ensuring a diverse and representative jury pool. Furthermore, it reinforces the importance of civic duty and supports the proper functioning of the legal system. Historically, the financial burden of jury service disproportionately affected low-income individuals, potentially leading to biased juries. Policies that compensate jurors help mitigate this issue, contributing to a more equitable legal system.
