PHOENIX — The Arizona Supreme Court has more than tripled the minimum amount of money jurors can earn each day for sitting in on a trial.
For the first time in over 50 years, state officials have increased juror compensation to between $40 and $300 per day -- starting on day one of the trial. The pay rate had previously been set at $12 each day for trials lasting less than five days.
The pay increase applies to jurors serving in the superior courts. Jurors in the city and justice courts will continue to be paid $12 per day.
Arizona's courts were able to boost its juror compensation after state officials appropriated $1.6 million to the state trial fund.
Chief Justice Robert M. Brutinel said the extra money should help the courts attract a more willing pool of potential jurors and help ensure a more balanced judicial system.
"That fundamental fairness includes placing decision-making in the hands of jurors who can truly be impartial and are representative of the communities in which they assemble," Brutinel said in a statement.
Individuals who are unemployed, retired, or receive income from another source could can still qualify for a financial reimbursement.
All courts will reimburse jurors for mileage, regardless of whether they're selected to serve or not.
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