According to a recent Daily Herald story (“Lower juror pay, mileage proposed in McHenry County”) McHenry County is considering lowering jury pay as a cost-saving initiative. Of course, it is not as though jurors are raking in the cash. Jurors only make $5 for the first day and then $12.50 for each subsequent day, but they do get paid even if they do not actually serve on a jury. Under the new system, jurors would only get the $12.50 if they actually serve on a jury. Otherwise, they will only receive $5 per day. The proposal also lowers the gas reimbursement from 26 cents per mile to 10 cents per mile.
The financial picture cannot be good when counties have to cut the already meager jury pay. Local governments all across the country are being forced to find ways to cut corners, which is why Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch has recently released several studies highlighting the amount of money local governments in Cook County and the downstate Madison and St. Clair Counties have spent on litigation. One study released this year shows how the city of Chicago spent a whopping $85 million on litigation-related expenses in 2010 alone.
When local governments are sued, it is taxpayer money that is used to settle or fight the lawsuit. Money spent on litigation is money that could be spent on other more worthwhile things such as adequately paying jurors. Many times, communities find it easier to settle a lawsuit rather than fight it. Instead of cutting vital services and programs, local governments could reduce litigation costs and save taxpayer dollars by demonstrating that lawsuits will be fought aggressively and not quickly settled.
Travis Akin
Executive director
Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch
Marion
