Prohibiting Discrimination in Jury Service Based on Age and Disability
Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act
Published: 2023-03-31
Author: Senator Edward J. Markey | Contact: markey.senate.gov
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Library: Disability News in the Americas Publications
Synopsis: During Disability Awareness Month, Sen. Markey and Rep. Porter introduce legislation to prohibit discrimination in jury service based on disability and age. Twenty-seven states, including Massachusetts and California, have enacted laws that prohibit the exclusion and/or disqualification of people with a disability from state jury service. Eleven states have laws that protect against age disqualifying jurors in a state court. Allowing Americans with disabilities or seniors to be categorically excluded from juries threatens the foundation of our legal system.
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Main Digest
During Disability Awareness Month, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass) and Representative Katie Porter (CA-47) today introduced the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act to prohibit excluding a person from federal jury service based on disability or age. The bill expands on legislation introduced by Senator Markey and Representative Porter last Congress by adding protections for potential jurors based on age, to safeguard against ageism in jury selection. Currently, federal law prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of “race, color, [...]