How is the Citizens Jury process different from a focus group?
The Citizens Jury process is more comprehensive, in-depth and representative than a focus group. The following elements of a Citizens Jury set it apart from a focus group: Information – For the issue at hand, the jurors go through a comprehensive process that provides them with essential background information as well as information about various perspectives or proposed solutions. The jurors learn about the issue from experts and key stakeholders involved with the issue. Time – Citizens Jury hearings are extensive. They last for 4 or 5 full days. This amount of time allows jurors to examine important, and sometimes complicated, concepts and ideas. With time, the jurors can go beyond the “knee-jerk” reaction to in-depth discussions that yield thoughtful recommendations. Deliberation – The Citizens Jury process ensures that there is sufficient time for all jurors to participate. Jurors get to know their fellow citizens and gain empathy for others with very different points of view. Jury
