Year: 2011
Resolution Number: 78
Action Taken: Approved
Status:
Author(s): Tom M. George, MD
Sponsor: Raghu Elluru, MD
On behalf of: Kalamazoo County Delegation
Committee: B (Legislation)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS seek legislation to improve the quality and function of juries, which could include, but not necessarily be limited to, measures making it harder to avoid jury duty, allowing jurors to pose questions to witnesses (through the judge), allowing jurors to take notes, allowing jurors to meet intermittently during the course of the trial, and increasing the reimbursement of jurors.RATIONALE: The Committee heard testimony about how jury reform could have a positive impact on physicians as it relates to professional liability. The Committee was intrigued by this resolution as it would apply to all cases and not simply professional liability cases. The Committee was supportive of efforts to level the playing field in court and acknowledged that jury reform could be one such effort.
RESOLVED: That MSMS seek legislation to improve the quality and function of juries, which could include, but not necessarily be limited to, measures making it harder to avoid jury duty, allowing jurors to pose questions to witnesses (through the judge), allowing jurors to take notes, allowing jurors to meet intermittently during the course of the trial, and increasing the reimbursement of jurors.RATIONALE: The Committee heard testimony about how jury reform could have a positive impact on physicians as it relates to professional liability. The Committee was intrigued by this resolution as it would apply to all cases and not simply professional liability cases. The Committee was supportive of efforts to level the playing field in court and acknowledged that jury reform could be one such effort.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Jury Reform