Raising Juror Pay, Reducing Juries Gets Mixed Reviews

Illinois had one of the nation's lowest juror pay rates, with state law previously setting a $4 daily minimum. The proposal Gov. Pat Quinn signed Friday increases it to $25 on the first day and $50 after that starting in June. Quinn says it'll ease jurors' financial burden.

The Fully Informed Jury Association advocacy group says more pay means a more representative jury.

However, some question reducing civil jurors from 12 to 6. National Center for State Courts analyst Gregory Hurley says big personalities are more likely to dominate smaller juries.

Sponsors say the measure helps Illinois match other states and that smaller juries can offset costs.

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