Suit Seeks Higher Pay for King County Jurors

SEATTLE (AP) — A lawsuit filed against King County alleges poor and minority communities are being disproportionately excluded from jury duty because of the county's $10 daily payment to jurors, which hasn't changed in nearly 60 years.

The Seattle Times reports the suit filed by three plaintiffs Monday seeks class-action status for others who have been affected. It asks the court to require King County to pay a minimum hourly wage to jurors who aren't compensated by their employers.

The suit says the daily payment provided to jurors is too low and results in more people being excused for economic hardship, keeping them from participating in a vital democratic function.

The money provided to jurors is the minimum under state law, which says they can receive up to $25.