4501 - Declaration of policy. - Pennsylvania Statutes

CHAPTER 45 JURIES AND JURORS Subchapter A. Qualifications and Exemptions B. Selection and Custody of Jurors C. Summoning Jurors D. Investigating Grand Juries E. Miscellaneous Provisions F. Penalties Enactment. Chapter 45 (Reserved) was added July 9, 1976, P.L.586, No.142, effective 60 days from the date of final enactment of the act of April 28, 1978 (P.L.202, No.53), and the remaining provisions of Chapter 45 were added June 26, 1980, P.L.266, No.78, effective immediately. Special Provisions in Appendix. See sections 5 and 6 of Act 78 of 1980 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to applicability and implementation of Chapter 45 and validity of interim proceedings. SUBCHAPTER A QUALIFICATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS Sec. 4501. Declaration of policy. 4502. Qualifications of jurors. 4503. Exemptions from jury duty. § 4501. Declaration of policy. It is the policy of this Commonwealth that: (1) All persons entitled to a jury trial in a civil action or criminal proceeding shall have the right to jurors selected at random from a representative cross section of the eligible population of the county. (2) All qualified citizens shall have the opportunity to be considered for service as jurors in the courts of this Commonwealth and shall have an obligation to serve as jurors when summoned for that purpose. (3) A citizen shall not be excluded from service as a juror on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or economic status.