The focus of a new class action lawsuit seeks to toss out a law that the NYCLU says leads to the “mass disenfranchisement” of Black citizens in Manhattan by diluting 'the voting strength of Black citizens on juries.'
Those estimates are based on an NYCLU analysis of felony conviction data from multiple sources including the state Division of Criminal Justice Services , the Department of Correction and Community Supervision, academic reporting from John Jay College and data from the U.S. Census Bureau. These allegations are likely to be the subject of expert testimony if the lawsuit goes to trial.
“It just sounded so ridiculous,” said Justin. “Like, I don't want to be disqualified for jury service.” The one way for a person with a felony conviction to restore their right to serve on a jury is to complete a certification process. But experts say it is a cumbersome process that demands persistence, expertise and even knowledge that the option exists in the first place. It’s unclear how long the process can take and there are no clear standards, leaving applicants at the whim of the state.
State lawmakers have considered legislation to end the lifetime ban for people with felony convictions from jury service. State Sen. Cordell Cleare of Harlem and Assemblymember Jeffrion Aubry of Queens carried the. That legislation is expected to be introduced again in January, according to staff in Cleare’s office.
While Tingling has not yet responded to a request for comment, he has made previous statements that suggest he supports changes to the law that would allow more Black citizens to serve on juries in Manhattan.
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