Somerset County, Pa. — In a significant overhaul aimed at ensuring a more representative jury pool, Somerset County has enlisted a Texas-based firm to upgrade its jury selection system. The decision comes on the heels of a postponed homicide trial last month, which was delayed after objections over the existing selection methods were raised during court proceedings. The county aims to have the new system from Judicial System Inc. in place by March, in time for the rescheduled trial.
Until recently, Somerset County employed a relatively narrow method for selecting potential jurors, relying primarily on a list of licensed motorists. This practice, however, came into question during the Paul Kendrick death penalty case, prompting the search for a more inclusive and efficient system.
The new system, which mirrors the one used in Cambria County, is set to improve the breadth of the jury selection pool by integrating data from voter registrations, driver’s licenses, property tax rolls, and welfare records. “This integration will not only widen our demographic reach but also streamline the administrative process significantly,” said Somerset County Court Administrator Tammy Escalera.
At a cost of $54,182, the investment in Judicial System Inc.’s jury administration system includes installation, training, and ongoing technical support. Officials believe the expenditure will pay off by reducing the hours currently spent managing jury notifications and minimizing the potential for duplications in the pool where discrepancies in address listings occur.
The urgency to revamp the system was underscored by Cambria County Senior Judge Patrick Kiniry, who highlighted the need for a broader and more systematic approach following the delay in Kendrick’s trial. Kiniry’s directive reflects broader statewide efforts to make jury pools more inclusive, a push supported by recommendations from the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness dating back to 2007.
The push for reform is not unique to Somerset County. Pennsylvania law encourages counties to expand their juror lists to ensure a fair cross-section of the community. The implementation of these expansive lists, while voluntary, is endorsed by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts as best practice.
In response to the changes, Somerset County officials, including President Commissioner Brian Fochtman, have expressed their commitment to supporting the court system’s smooth operation. “When critical needs arise, it’s imperative that we act swiftly to address them,” Fochtman commented.
The adoption of the new system was unanimously approved by the Somerset County commissioners, reflecting a concerted effort to address the concerns raised by judiciary officials and defense attorneys alike.
As the county prepares to roll out the new system, attention has also been directed toward the financing of this initiative. The costs associated with the jury management system overhaul are accommodated within the 2025 budget, which was recently finalized with an increase of $70,228 over the previously advertised financial plan. This adjustment maintains the county’s millage rate unchanged, ensuring fiscal responsibility while investing in necessary judicial improvements.
As Somerset County moves forward with these changes, the hope is that a more diverse and comprehensive jury selection process will lead to fairer trial outcomes and increased public confidence in the legal system.
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