Judging Juries

Jury selection is an arena of public life where racial discrimination is both commonplace and accepted. Judging Juries reveals the barriers to jury service that deprive defendants in criminal cases of true juries of their peers.

While there are many issues contributing to the lack of diversity in the jury pool, juror pay is at the top of the list. With minimal daily compensation that can be eaten up just by the commute to the courthouse, juries often end up composed of professionals who can afford to miss work, or retirees. An innovative program in San Francisco called "Be the Jury", which pays jurors $100 per day, has discovered that many more working people, and people of color are able to serve as a result of this increase in compensation, resulting in a juries more representative of the city.

In addition to the issue of juror pay, Judging Juries also looks at the use of discriminatory peremptory challenges which permit the dismissal of potential jurors for no stated reason, and the use of former felony convictions as a barrier to jury service. Featuring the testimonies of lawyers, judges, politicians, and jurors alike, Judging Juries highlights innovative legislation and programs that point to a future that respects the constitutional right to a fair trial.

FILMMAKER'S STATEMENT: "I was inspired to make this film once I learned that there were very few African Americans or Latinos serving on juries in Alameda County. The right to be judged by a jury which reflects a cross-section of the community is a fundamental right, but it requires an understanding by the citizens who are called to serve that this is a duty they should be willing to fulfill. It is also important for legislatures around the country to consider the issue of juror pay so that working people are able to serve. It is our hope that this film will help encourage people to see jury service in a new light — to participate enthusiastically in this very unique experience that has important consequences for the individual on trial and provides jurors with the opportunity to learn from each other as they determine the outcome of this case.

Similarly, 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."

Preview link available upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information

Judging Juries - Video Project - Documentary

A Film by Abby Ginzberg

23 minutes

Scene Selection • Closed Captioned

Grades 7 - Adult

Item #: JUJ-2071

Highlights the urgent need to address inequities in jury service

Starting at $79

Licensing Options

K-12 Classroom, Public Libraries: DVD - $79 K-12 DVD + Digital File - $129 Colleges, Business, Government: DVD - $250 Colleges, Business, Government: DVD with Digital Site License - $350 K-12 School District pricing available. Please inquire at [email protected] Community Screenings: Please Complete 'Host a Screening' Form found on top menu bar

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Reviews and Festivals

2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Short Form Documentary Nominee

"The importance of fairness and representation in the jury selection process cannot be emphasized enough, and, Judging Juries is a must-see film demonstrating the real implications of this. We have used it in Pennsylvania to educate judges, the legislature and citizens about the need for reasonable compensation for jurors and a diverse jury pool. This film is not just a learning tool, but an awakening for our understanding that jury service is both a privilege that strengthens democracy and a mandatory requirement under the law."

— Deborah R. Gross, Esq., CEO and President, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts

"Makes a convincing argument as to why diversity on juries is necessary as the disparity between white and African American convictions is eliminated when there is at least one African American on a jury... Recommended for existing political science and legal studies collections and those overall library collections looking for more inclusive conversations around civics education"

— Educational Media Reviews Online

"Judging Juries is an excellent short documentary that will see frequent use in criminal justice coursework... A must-have for any collection serving a large and active law school... Judging Juries seeks to spark more action in this long-overlooked area of legal reform. Highly Recommended."

— Video Librarian

"Eye-opening"

— Christine Welch, League of Women Voters Berkeley Albany Emeryville

"A jury of one's peers is the cornerstone of the U.S. criminal legal system, but a new documentary by filmmaker Abby Ginzberg reveals that remains a rarity for many Black and brown people charged with a crime in Alameda County and beyond"

— The East Bay Echo

"Offers a powerful argument for why we need changes in our laws to fully realize the promise of a fair jury for all."

— Access to Justice Institute

WINNER

Cal Film Festival, Best Documentary Short

Accolade Global Awards, Award of Merit, Outstanding Achievement in Documentary Shorts

Independent Short Awards, Gold, Best Documentary Short

Special Recognition Award, Albany Film Fest

OFFICIAL SELECTION

Pan African Film Festival

DC Black Film festival

Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival

United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF)

African Diaspora International Film Festival

Reel Sisters Film Festival

Albany Film Fest

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