The Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office has reignited the debate over whether the county’s jury selection process is unconstitutional, alleging a man accused of murder should have his indictments tossed due to systematic exclusion of minority and low-income citizens.
A motion to quash was filed Monday on behalf of Jamal Lamere Adams, 34, who is charged with first-degree murder, coercion of a witness, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated assault.
White residents and/or those of higher economic status are allegedly more likely to be summoned and serve on Hamilton County juries, including those in Adams’ case, which violates both the United States and Tennessee constitutions, the motion said.
“The right to a jury of one’s peers is a touchstone of our justice system and rooted in the Constitution’s right to trial by an impartial jury,” the motion said. “Recognizing this fundamental democratic principle and striving to achieve adequate representation and impartiality in our jury panels is critical not only to afford criminal defendants a fair trial, but also essential to foster an environment of active public engagement and to support public confidence in the judicial process.”
The county’s master jury list is made up solely of residents who are over the age of 18, possess a driver’s license or state identification card and have a registered address within the county.