CHICAGO (AP) – The chief judge for U.S. District Court in Chicago says a pay raise for federal jurors in a bill signed by President Donald Trump could improve jury diversity.
U.S. District Chief Judge Ruben Castillo told the Chicago Tribune the increase for jurors from $40 to $50 a day should make it more financially feasible for lower income residents to serve.
He said “more diverse juries” is something he’s sought. Castillo became the first Hispanic chief judge for the northern Illinois district in 2013. He’s said previously that a priority was to ensure juries better reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity.
The first pay raise for federal jurors since 1990 kicks in May 7.
Cook County jurors may look with envy to their federal counterparts. They get $17.20 a day.
