Convicted Felons May Regain Jury Service

June 15, 2019

In California, a felony conviction will result in a lifetime ban for jury duty. A bill introduced by State Sen. Nancy Skinner would allow convicted felons to serve on both criminal and civil juries.

The bill was introduced after the California Legislature approved assembly bill AB2466 restoring the right to vote for convicted felons. “People with felony records have the right to vote in California. There is no legitimate reason why they should be barred from serving on a jury,” Skinner stated.

Part of Skinner’s rational is that “excluding felons from jury service has a disproportionate impact on African Americans.” Opponents claim that historical justifications dating back to the founding of this country justify excluding felons from jury service since these people lack character and harbor bias.

Skinner’s bill is authored under SB 310 already passed the Senate on the party lines. Proponents of the bill include Fair Chance Project, the California Public Defenders Association, and the American Civil Liberties Union of California.

If you have been charged with a crime, then contact the Law Offices of John D. Rogers to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


+ 2 = eleven

In the Media
abc 7 kcal 2 kcal 9 LA Weekly Los Angeles Times NBC

Contact Us For A Free Case Evaluation

(949) 625-4487
4000 MacArthur Blvd. East Tower Suite 615 Newport Beach, CA 92660

Contact Us

24 Hour Response Time