The Supreme Court’s decision to immediately increase the juror fee to $40 a day replaces a decision the Court made in October 2000 for a gradual increase of $5 a year until the fee would reach $40 a day on January 1, 2005.

      "By immediately increasing the state juror fee, the Supreme Court is sending a message to jurors that we value the service they perform. The success of our jury system depends on the participation of all citizens called to serve, and no citizen should have to face a financial hardship from serving on a jury," Chief Justice McGraw said.

       The most compelling reason that people do not appear or are not enthusiastic about jury duty is simply the money, according to a national study by the American Judicature Society. Many people cannot afford to be jurors. This is especially true for the self-employed, employees whose employers won’t pay for jury duty, or homemakers who would not otherwise have to pay for child care.

      In addition to increasing the juror fee, the Supreme Court is working on updating and improving juror orientation materials and encouraging judicial circuits to explore ways to streamline use of jurors’ time. The Supreme Court also has asked courts across West Virginia to start planning activities to celebrate the first Juror Appreciation Month in February 2002. The Supreme Court is proposing several optional activities that West Virginia’s judicial circuits can sponsor to show appreciation for jurors.

NOTE: The Supreme Court of Appeals’ Administrative Order can be viewed by clicking the link below.

Administrative Order : Increase in Reimbursement to Jurors