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Podcasts Take Two
Governor Brown considers allowing 3.4M non-citizens to serve on juries
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Aug 26, 2013
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Governor Brown considers allowing 3.4M non-citizens to serve on juries
California could become the first state to allow non-citizens to serve on criminal and civil juries, under legislation now on the governor’s desk
Empty seats in the jury box during a hearing at Los Angeles Superior Court May 4, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.
AB1401 would allow legal permanent residents to serve on juries. "Its only fair," said Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), one of the bill’s authors.
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California could become the first state to allow non-citizens to serve on criminal and civil juries, under legislation now on the governor’s desk

This is one part in a new KPCC series looking at the rights, responsibilities, traditions and privileges that come along with being a citizen. Let us know what you think.

California could become the first state to allow non-citizens to serve on criminal and civil juries, under legislation now on the governor’s desk

“The jury system is based on our peers judging us,” said Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), one of the bill’s authors. “It's only fair, because so many people living in California are legal permanent residents.”

Under AB1401, non-citizen legal permanent residents would be allowed to serve on juries. Federal law allows such residents – sometimes called “Green Card Holders” – to stay in the country as long as they like.

Some are in the process of applying for citizenship. Others choose to remain citizens of other countries. KPCC's Frank Stoltze reports.