Juror compensation in Arizona has increased for the first time in more than 50 years after the bipartisan legislative budget was passed during the 2022 session. The increase in base compensation went into effect on Sept. 24.
The Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Judicial Council recommended spending priorities that included requesting the appropriation of 1.6M from the state’s General Fund to the Arizona Lengthy Trial and Digital Evidence Fund to pay jurors up to $300 per day for their jury service in the superior court.
“Aside from alleviating financial concerns for jurors, Arizona’s judicial system, litigants, and attorneys gain a more willing pool of potential jury participants to help ensure a fair and efficient process,” said Chief Justice Robert Brutinel. “That fundamental fairness includes placing decision-making in the hands of jurors who can truly be impartial and are representative of the communities in which they assemble,” he added.
Jurors who are summonsed and selected to serve in a superior court in Arizona may be eligible for reimbursement of lost wages between $40 and $300 per day—beginning day one. Prior to the increase, jurors earned $12 per day unless the trial exceeded five days, which activated additional compensation from the Lengthy Trial Fund.
Juror compensation is dependent on factors including their employer’s jury service guidelines. Individuals who are unemployed, retired, or receive income from another source like spousal maintenance could also qualify for reimbursement.
All courts will reimburse jurors for mileage whether selected to serve or not. Justice and municipal courts will continue to pay jurors $12 per day for their jury service.