Jury selection has been languishing behind other judicial reforms for centuries. Introduced as a major reform to the justice system in medieval England, it has often been abused by prosecutors. These issues are still present today in the disturbingly common and accepted racial discrimination of jurors during selection, as well as in the classist exclusion of people who simply cannot afford to miss work. Judging Juries examines a new reform in California’s Alameda County that aims to reduce the systemic impact of these persistent biases on the justice system. “Be the Jury,” as the initiative is called, offers jurors $100 a day, and the documentary follows the foundation and success of the program.
Judging Juries is an excellent short documentary that will see frequent use in criminal justice coursework. Abby Ginzberg, who has been making independent documentary films for over 30 years, had this to say about the project: “…we hope that other jurisdictions will be motivated by the experience of San Francisco and consider ways to increase juror pay so that more people can afford to serve." Winner of Best Documentary Short at the Cal Film Festival and The Independent Short Awards, Judging Juries is a fantastic selection for any library’s short film collection. However, it is a must-have for any collection serving a large and active law school. That such simple reforms have taken so long to materialize in our justice system is, frankly, pathetic. Judging Juries seeks to spark more action in this long-overlooked area of legal reform. Highly Recommended.
Why should criminal justice programs include Judging Juries in their curriculum?
Judging Juries offers a concise and compelling look into jury reform, making it a valuable resource for classroom discussion in criminal justice, pre-law, or public policy courses. The film covers practical legal concepts like voir dire, systemic bias, and civic participation, offering students a concrete case study in reform efforts. Its 30-minute runtime makes it easy to screen in a single class session, with plenty of time left for critical discussion.
What makes Judging Juries a strong fit for public and academic Llibrary collections?
This award-winning short film is ideal for libraries building collections in law, government, race and justice, and public service. Its accessible approach makes it valuable for both general interest viewers and scholars alike. Public libraries can use it in community programming on civic duty or legal awareness, while academic libraries can recommend it to faculty teaching criminal justice, law, or public administration.
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