Serving as a juror in a difficult trial can leave an indelible mark on anyone, yet these individuals hold a crucial role in our justice system. Recognizing the emotional toll, the North Dakota Supreme Court is proposing a new measure to support jurors: up to 10 hours of free therapy post-trial. This initiative, outlined in House Bill 1047, aims to provide counseling for jurors exposed to disturbing evidence, ensuring they aren’t left navigating trauma alone. With similar success in Alaska, this proposal represents a thoughtful step toward juror well-being.
And before you over react, it’s not for every juror in every case. It’s for trials that allege more heinous crimes — the ones that introduce information that can’t be forgotten and unseen. Darren Gibbins with The Bismarck Tribune has the full story.
