Res. No. 742
Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation that would allow lawful permanent residents of the United States to serve on juries.
By Council Members Miller and Eugene
Whereas, According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, a lawful permanent resident is defined as a non-citizen who is residing in the United States and who is legally recognized; and
Whereas, According to the Department of Homeland Security, of the almost 1 million individuals who became lawful permanent residents in 2013, New York State was the state of residence for over 13 percent; and
Whereas, The Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that there are currently approximately 1 million lawful permanent resident immigrants living in New York City; and
Whereas, Current New York State law requires jurors to be United States citizens but the New York State Constitution does not restrict the qualifications of jurors; and
Whereas, All lawful permanent residents, independent of their duration of residence, are automatically excused from jury duty, regardless of their capacity or willingness to serve; and
Whereas, Jury duty is a unique form of participatory democracy, allowing jurors the opportunity to engage in and fulfill a civic responsibility; and
Whereas, According to the National Center for State Courts, only approximately 46 percent of individuals summoned for jury duty in New York State are qualified and available to serve; and
Whereas, Passage of legislation allowing lawful permanent residents in New York State the ability to serve on a jury would broaden the pool of potential jurors; and
Whereas, The restriction on lawful permanent residents serving as jurors is unique in comparison to similar functions: they are allowed to serve as lawyers, parties, witnesses and court personnel; and
Whereas, Passage of legislation allowing lawful permanent residents in New York State to serve on juries would remove this unique restriction; and
Whereas, Passage of such legislation would impact individuals who contribute to their communities by allowing them to fulfill the duty and privilege of serving on a jury; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation that would allow lawful permanent residents of the United States to serve on juries.
LS# 4460
5/20/2015
MA