California Assembly Passes Bill that Would Allow Non Citizens on Juries

On Thursday in Sacramento, history is on its way to being made. Though it still has some road to travel before it becomes official, California is on the path to becoming the first American state that allows non-citizens to be a part of juries.

This new bill does not apply to all non-citizens. It would only apply to those who are here legally, and those who meet all of the necessary criteria that California requires for all jurors. This is to help California get new and additional jurors as well as to help integrate immigrants into communities.

The requirements to serve on a California jury are to be at least eighteen, a resident in the summonsing county and able to speak English proficiently.

Though the bill won popular opinion in the Assembly, there were some objections. One assembly member feels that there is no shortage of jury members and that some things should be reserved specifically for citizens.

This could not only change the opinions of juries but could also really help the juror turnout in California. Most residents detest jury duty and some do not even show up when they are summoned. By allowing non-citizens to serve, the choice pool larger and it could be filled with people that actually want to serve on a jury.

Without a competent jury, trials may not turn out as well as they could. By choosing from a limited number of people who mostly all do not want to be there, the aptitude of the jury is not as great as it should be.

This will be a revolutionary move if it is approved. Next up the bill goes to the Senate. If it passes there, history is a step closer to being made.