State task force to study jury bias

“I, along with the associate justices of the Connecticut State Supreme Court, are unanimous in our commitment to eradicate racial bias from our jury system, and we have pledged to work with all partners in the justice system to see this through.”

Chief Justice Richard Robinson

HARTFORD — Former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers and Superior Court Judge Omar A. Williams will co-chair the Jury Selection Task Force commissioned to eradicating racial bias from the state’s jury system.

The first meeting of the task force is scheduled to be held remotely on July 14, at 2 p.m.

Late last year the state Supreme Court announced it would convene a jury selection task force in light of a New London murder case in which a prosecutor was criticized for asking the judge to excuse a Black man from the jury.

The Judicial Branch stated that work had been underway to schedule the first meeting when the pandemic struck. However, the branch now has the necessary remote technology in place to hold the meeting so that all participants will be safe.

“I, along with the associate justices of the Connecticut State Supreme Court, are unanimous in our commitment to eradicate racial bias from our jury system, and we have pledged to work with all partners in the justice system to see this through. Considering the events in Connecticut and across the nation regarding racial injustice, I can think of no better time to get the task force up and running,” said Chief Justice Richard Robinson said. “Of course, we do not yet know when jury trials will resume because of the pandemic, and we have been meeting regularly to develop a plan to permit the resumption of jury trials in a safe manner. But that is not a reason to delay the critical work of the task force.”

Williams and Rogers are perfect choices as cochairs, the chief justice added.

“Judge Williams is an experienced criminal judge who works everyday in the field, and Chase Rogers has an intimate knowledge of the jury selection process through her experience as chief justice, an Appellate Court judge and as a trial judge,” Robinson said. “Time is of the essence, but I have full confidence in them as leaders committed to bringing about meaningful and long-term change.”