The Citizens Jury Project began using a new format for reporting in January 2007. Each report covers one month, rather than four. This streamlined format will allow for more timely recommendations.

Format and Schedule of CJP Reports:
The Citizens Jury Project Report has a new format. Each report covers one month, rather than four. This streamlined format will allow for more timely recommendations.

Questions about directions:
Citizens Jury Project interns are most often asked for directions-to restrooms, telephones, and other amenities both within and outside of the courthouses. And thus, these requests for directions often make up the bulk of our reporting. We wish to note that our reporting on this matter does not necessarily imply that courthouses have not taken important steps to provide such information. Juror orientations are very thorough, providing jurors with all necessary information. In addition signs are posted. In some locations, additional and/or larger signs might be helpful for jurors.

For the near future-May through July, at least-the Citizens Jury Project shall continue to include this information in our reports. However, we are consulting with court personnel and considering whether further reporting on this issue (need for increased or improved signage) is helpful to jurors and to staff.

Future Plans: CJP is looking at other ways we can be of more assistance to both jurors and the courts. We look forward to meeting with jury staff in the different boroughs as appropriate to improve our contributions.

We welcome any feedback that court personnel and others who care about the jury system may have.

Yours truly,

Lee Chabin, Esq.
Acting Director, Citizens Jury Project
January 2007