Trending
Jury duty is a vital civic obligation, but can be a burden for older people. While some enjoy robust health and are as mentally alert as they were when they were in their 20s, others must contend with limitations due to chronic conditions or mobility problems.
Older folks living in rural communities also have to deal with traveling long distances to serve on juries.
Right now, seniors in Pennsylvania can be permanently exempted from serving on a jury starting at age 75, but state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, has introduced legislation that would lower the exemption age to 70.
It's a sensible move.
She explained, "Our seniors have done their civic duty for decades, and they deserve to be relieved from the stressful and exhausting process of being called for jury duty. This bill would help elder folks save money and energy and give them more time with their families and friends."
We agree and hope many of Snyder's colleagues in Harrisburg do as well.