The Citizens Jury Project was created in 1995, following a recommendation made by the Jury Project, a blue-ribbon panel formed by Chief Judge Judith Kaye designed to review and reform jury service in New York State. This panel, composed of judges, attorneys, and educators, called for the creation of an ombudservice to assist jurors with complaints, particularly about employers who violate New York law by penalizing their employees for missing work because of jury service. The Citizens Jury Project does this, and serves as an advocate for individual jurors on a variety of issues, from summonsing to dismissal. Through ongoing data collection and analysis, the Citizens Jury Project strives to promote systemic reforms that improve conditions for all jurors.
The Citizens Jury Project was created and initially implemented by the Vera Institute of Justice - a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing justice in institutions of government - with grants from the Commonwealth Fund and the New York Community Trust. The project was transferred permanently to The Fund for Modern Courts in April 2000.
Currently, the Citizens Jury Project operates five ombudservice booths, located in the Manhattan courthouses at 60 Centre Street, 100 Centre Street, and 111 Centre Street, in Brooklyn at 360 Adams Street, and in Queens at 89-17 Supthin Boulevard. These booths are staffed by trained interns who assist jurors and document their comments and concerns about jury service. In addition to our in-court advocacy, CJP also surveys jurors in courts throughout New York and participates in collaborative research projects with the Office of Court Administration.
Learn about internship opportunities with The Citizens Jury Project.
Learn about CJP's community outreach through the Youth Mock Trial Program.