New JerseyNew Jersey would let some people with past convictions qualify for juries
People with past serious-crime convictions could qualify for New Jersey juries if they meet other rules, lack convictions under named New Jersey murder or aggravated sexual assault laws, and are not serving a sentence that keeps them locked up for a serious crime.
What it does
People with past serious-crime convictions could qualify for New Jersey juries if they meet other rules. Convictions under the named New Jersey murder or aggravated sexual assault laws, or a sentence that keeps someone locked up for a serious crime, would still bar service.
Argument forLetting people with eligible past convictions qualify could give courts a wider group of residents to choose from.
Argument againstUpdating jury lists and checking which convictions still bar service could take court staff time.
More detail
New Jersey would stop disqualifying people from jury duty solely for a past serious-crime conviction. This applies to people called for New Jersey jury duty with past serious-crime convictions under state or federal law who meet the other juror rules. People convicted of murder under New Jersey law N.J.S. 2C:11-3 or aggravated sexual assault under N.J.S. 2C:14-2(a) would still be barred. People serving a sentence that keeps them locked up for a serious crime would also remain barred. The change would take effect immediately if enacted. Jury selection lists already in use would have to be updated by the first day of the fourth month after enactment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 28Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary CommitteeIntroduced
Criminal Justice