New York Times Editorial Calls for Action to End Racial Discrimination in Jury Selection

Citing EJI’s new study documenting the ongoing problem of race bias in jury selection, the New York Times Editorial Board today called on state and federal authorities to take an active role in ending this illegal practice. Specifically, the editorial echoed EJI’s recommendations that “[s]tate authorities or bar associations need to more closely monitor jury selections and fine or disbar prosecutors with clear records of discrimination,” and “[t]he Justice Department should also be far more active in policing the practices of district attorneys’ offices.” The editorial also highlights the need for appellate courts “to begin taking seriously the Supreme Court’s 1986 reminder that harm from discrimination in the courtroom goes beyond the defendant, and the excluded juror, and touches the entire community.”