The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) honored the
Massachusetts Office of Jury Commissioner and the Jury Management
Advisory Committee as recipients of its 2011 G. Thomas Munsterman
Award for Jury Innovation. The award was presented by Robert N.
Baldwin, NCSC executive vice president and general counsel, at the
John Adams Courthouse in Boston on Oct. 13.
The award recognizes states, local courts, organizations or
individuals that have made significant improvements or innovations
in jury procedures, operations and practices.
"Through this award, the National Center wants to recognize the
sustained and comprehensive commitment the Office of Jury
Commissioner and Jury Management Advisory Committee have made to
improving jury service," said NCSC President Mary C. McQueen.
Among the achievements being recognized is the use of innovative
technologies like Massachusetts' new jury automation system, which
has improved juror yield and utilization, dramatically reduced
summonses issued and saved more than $1 million annually.
Improved technologies have also led to better customer service to
jurors, including the development of a website that allows jurors
to manage all aspects of their responses to summonses online and
provides information about cancellation status, directions to the
court, reminders and more. Also, a new juror orientation video was
introduced on July 5.
The nonprofit NCSC, based in Williamsburg, VA., is dedicated to
improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and
service to the state courts