New research from the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) at the University of Pennsylvania finds that people who have recently served on juries tend to hold more positive views of the U.S. courts and judges. The study addresses concerns that public trust in the judiciary—particularly the U.S. Supreme Court—has been declining. According to the research, jury service is associated with improved attitudes toward the court system among those who participate as jurors.
Both outlets report that the same findings are paired with a broader trend: Americans’ opportunities to serve on juries are decreasing. As jury trials become less common, fewer people are able to gain firsthand experience with the legal process. This reduction in participation limits how widely jury service can influence public perceptions.
Courthouse News adds that the findings have led to discussion of potential steps to strengthen public understanding of the justice system, including expanded civic education. The research does not claim jury service alone is the solution, but it highlights a link between direct participation and trust while pointing to the shrinking availability of that participation.
