California’s Governor: No Jury Duty for Immigrants

Jerry Brown says only citizens should serve as jurors in the golden state

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Stephen Lam / Reuters

Jerry Brown speaks to supporters as he celebrates his victory over Republican challenger Meg Whitman, at his election night rally in Oakland, California in this November 2, 2010 file photo.

Legal immigrants will not be asked to serve as jurors in California following a veto from Governor Jerry Brown on Monday. Despite state policies that have provided legal and undocumented immigrants with sweeping rights, Brown argued that jury duty should be reserved for citizens.

“This bill would permit lawful permanent residents who are not citizens to serve on a jury,” Brown told Reuters. “I don’t think that’s right.” Currently, no states in the U.S. permit non-citizens to serve as jurors.

[Reuters]