The Judiciary Branch, complying with the national government memorandum on the need to submit a budget request for Fiscal Year 2011, asked for more money due to a new law instituting jury trial in Palau.
Suprem Court Chief Justice Arthur Ngiraklsong in the budget request sent to the Olbiil Era Kelulau said that the branch of government will be needing $100,000 more to finance the juror fees, juror meals, security, subpoena services, court appointed counsels and hiring of a new court marshal.
In earlier interviews, Ngiraklsong said that the most pressing concern in preparing for the jury trial is funding constraints.
In FY 2010, the judiciary’s budget is $2, 219,000. If approved, its budget will increase to $2,319,000.
The judiciary has already made preparations to conduct its first ever jury trial.
Two courtrooms located in Koror and the Capitol has been renovated to accommodate jury boxes.
It cost the judiciary $47,000 to remodel the two courtrooms to build the jury box.
Although Palau has yet to conduct its first ever jury trial, the law states that each of the six jurors should receive a daily stipend of $25. Ngiraklsong said there is also a need to purchase a van to transport the jurors to the court.
Because of this, additional funds will be needed by the judiciary to implement jury trial. He however anticipates that the first jury trial case will not happen until 2011.
The new law implements the constitutional amendment approved from the 2008 general election that gives defendants in criminal cases the right to jury trials if the offenses are punishable by a sentence of 12 years or more.
The jury will be composed of six members and a unanimous verdict shall be required for the defendant to be found guilty.
The offenses covered by the measure are big crimes such as murder, drug offenses, rape and possession of firearms.
These are offenses which can mete a fine of 12 years imprisonment or more.
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