Munsterman Award

2024 Winner: Ada County (Idaho) Jury Office

Under the Jury Commissioner’s leadership, the Ada County Office has launched several initiatives to enhance the juror experience and public perception of jury service, including:

  • Updated Facilities: The jury assembly room was remodeled with new furniture, workstations, and a café to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment.
  • Integrated Technology: The office leverages technology - including online questionnaires, a real-time chat feature, and a YouTube video - to simplify administrative functions and guide jurors through the process.
  • Efficient Use of Time: With a five-day term of service, most jurors are released within hours, reducing stress and financial impact.
  • Financial Assistance: Funded by juror donations, the Jury Assistance Fund covers transportation, childcare, and some meals. In 2023, 51% of jurors donated their daily fee to support the fund.
  • Community Support: Partnerships with local restaurants and businesses help lower the costs of meals, transportation, and access to recreational facilities, saving resources and enhancing the juror experience.

The Ada County Jury Office is the busiest in Idaho and assists up to 3,000 jurors a month. In 2023, the office summoned 55,000 jurors for service.

Named for G. Thomas Munsterman, the founder and former director of the National Center for State Courts’ (NCSC) Center for Jury Studies, the award recognizes states, local courts, organizations, and individuals who have made significant improvements or innovations in jury procedures, operations, and practices.

Presented annually since 2008, the award was established to recognize states, local courts, individuals, or other organizations that have made significant improvements or innovations in jury procedures, operations, or practices in one of the following categories:

  • state or local statutes, rules, or other formal changes
  • jury management or technology
  • in-court improvements
  • other improvements or innovations

Nominations for 2024 are closed. Nominations for next year will open in Fall, 2025.

  • 2024 - Ada County  (Idaho) Jury Office
  • 2023 - Judge  Pamela Gates, Maricopa County Superior Court, Arizona
  • 2022 - Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan, 10th Judicial Circuit Court, Kansas
  • 2021 - Marilyn Burgess, Harris County Texas District Clerk
  • 2020 - Kyle Rimel, IT director for the Superior Court of Arizona in Mohave County
  • 2019 - Juries Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) Team

See the complete list of recipients.