Convicted Felons Can Now Serve On A Jury In California

The bill, effective January 1, 2020, prevents convicted felons on parole or probation and registered sex offenders from serving on juries. It aims to address racial disparities in jury selection, as highlighted by Senator Nancy Skinner. Before the bill, one in five African American men in California was barred from jury service due to prior felonies. Over half of US states still impose lifetime bans on felons serving on juries.

What is the effective date of the new bill that restricts certain individuals from jury service?

• January 1st, 2019

• January 1st, 2022

• January 1st, 2020

• January 1st, 2021

Which group of individuals is specifically mentioned as being barred from jury service under the new bill?

• Individuals with traffic violations

• All convicted felons

• First-time offenders

• Convicted felons on parole or probation

What concern do opponents of the bill have regarding former felons serving on juries?

• They might be too lenient on defendants

• They could be biased against police or prosecutors

• They may not understand legal proceedings

• They might increase jury selection time

What issue does Senator Nancy Skinner believe the bill addresses?

• Educational gaps

• Economic disparities

• Racial disparities in jury selection

• Gender inequality

According to the transcript, what is the status of felon jury service bans in more than half of the US states?

• Felons are banned for ten years

• Felons are banned for life

• Felons can serve immediately after release

• Felons can serve after five years