Hart advocates for legislation that provides mental health resources to jurors – edhat

[This week] Governor Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 2985, authored by Assemblyman Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), to provide mental health information to jurors following criminal trials for violent crimes.

“Jurors in criminal trials can be asked to investigate the most violent crimes they have ever faced, yet during the trial they are prohibited from discussing their experiences with anyone,” said Rep. Hart. “This bill will help our justice system recognize and support the mental health needs of community members who are performing their civic duty, promoting peace of mind and improving the overall jury experience.”

Each year, thousands of Californians serve as jurors in violent crime trials and are confronted with graphic evidence, including crime scene photographs, autopsy reports, and detailed and tragic witness testimony. In recent years, jurors in Santa Barbara County have been asked to evaluate evidence in very difficult cases involving murder, sexual assault, and other horrific events. In a high-profile trial on the Central Coast, jurors spoke to the press about the effects of the trial on their well-being, including nightmares, strained relationships with spouses and children, and other symptoms associated with trauma.

While the Judicial Council has previously identified temporary signs of stress that may follow jury duty and developed educational information to inform jurors about their mental health after completing jury duty, there is currently no way to disseminate this important information and it is not reaching the jurors who need it.

This issue was brought forward by Ethan Bertrand, Assemblyman Hart’s district director, who experienced firsthand as a juror the effects of a trial involving significant violence. This bill was supported by psychologists, criminal defense attorneys, and the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office.

“Prosecutors, police officers and defense attorneys never get used to the violent, traumatic and cruel acts we face on a daily basis, yet this stress is an unfortunate reality of a public service career in the criminal justice field. Jurors, on the other hand, are often unprepared for the very difficult issues they will face while performing their public service as triers of fact,” said Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch. “It is important that jurors are supported in addressing their well-being after serving in a trial involving serious violence.”

AB 2985 will help jurors find peace of mind after serving in a trial involving violent crimes, increase their well-being, and improve their overall experience while performing an important function for our justice system. The passage of this bill reinforces Rep. Hart’s commitment to improving access to mental health services for all and ensuring that everyone receives the support they deserve.

Gregg Hart represents the 37th California Assembly District, which includes Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Montecito, Summerland, Buellton, Solvang, Lompoc, Guadalupe, Santa Maria, Orcutt, and Nipomo. He currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Joint Committee on Legislative Audit and Chair of the Assembly Special Committee on the Nonprofit Sector.