New Master Jury List Created for Pennsylvania

October 2,2008

Pennsylvania is now using a new master jury list with 11.5 million names.  Available for use by the counties in summoning citizens to serve, the goal is to include more Pennsylvanians in the process. In a press release issued by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), Chief Justice Ronald Castille explained, "We anticipate that our new data will improve on existing lists everywhere.  If you vote, pay taxes, drive a car or receive welfare or food stamps, your name is on our list."  This new list was developed following passage in 2007 of legislation enabling the provision of data to the AOPC from various Pennsylvania departments, including Revenue and Welfare. The Chief Justice concluded, "We hope this program will enhance the administration of justice and bolster one of the most basic rights held by all our citizens, that of trial by jury."