At present, New Jersey obtains its jurors from registered voters, licensed drivers, filers of State gross income tax returns and filers of homestead rebate or credit application forms. Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter is trying to expand this list with her bill A-4275 which would pull jurors from NJ Family Care Program eligibility identification card holders, welfare plan identification card holders, non-driver identification cards issued pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Commission, public utility customers, and persons applying for or receiving unemployment insurance, cash assistance, housing assistance, home energy assistance, medical assistance, or food stamps. According to Ms. Sumter, “[t]he public’s engagement and trust in the court system is dependent on jury diversity."
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