Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Judiciary Committee

SB 6458

Title:  An act relating to jury fees.

Brief Description:  Revising provisions relating to jury fees.

Sponsors:  Senators Long and Costa.

Brief Summary of Bill

$All jury demand fees in superior and district courts for either civil or criminal cases are set at $125 for a jury of six, and $250 for a jury of 12.

Hearing Date:  2/26/02

Staff:  Bill Perry (786‑7123).

Background:

A variety of jury demand fees are provided for in statute.  These fees may vary depending on the level of the court, the nature of the action, and the size of the jury.  In civil actions, a party who demands a jury must pay a fee at the time of the demand.  In a criminal case, a defendant who is tried by a jury pays a jury fee only upon conviction.

The current system of fees is as follows:

  Superior Court

     Civil

       six‑person jury  $125

       12‑person jury $250

     Criminal

       six‑person jury  $50

       12‑person jury $100

  District Court

     Civil

       six‑person jury  $50

     Criminal

       six‑person jury  $25

Summary of Bill:

All jury fees are set at the amounts currently applicable to civil trials in superior court.  The fee is $125 for a six‑person jury and $250 for a 12‑person jury, regardless of whether the trial is in district or superior court and whether the trial is civil or criminal.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.