Race Less Crucial in Juries (Jacksonville, FL)

Florida Times-Union ^ | Sunday, February 9, 2003 | Rich Tucker

[Dutchgirl]

Race is less important than factors such as occupation, education or family background when Jacksonville lawyers select jurors for criminal trials, according to a yearlong Times-Union study.

Blacks made up about a quarter of prospective juror panels and the juries themselves in Duval County during 97 felony trials -- in line with the 2000 census data.

[Dutchgirl]

"Just the mere fact that you are black doesn't necessarily make you my peer, and I think that's becoming more apparent..."

Ed Austin was an extremely popular two term mayor of Jacksonville. His hand picked successor, John Delany, was unopposed in his second term bid for office. They are both former (D) now (R).

[mhking]

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