Res. No. 691
Resolution calling on New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation establishing a program to provide up to ten hours of post-trial psychological counseling, at no cost, to jurors who serve in cases involving graphic, gruesome, or highly emotional evidence or testimony
By Council Members Hudson and Hanif
Whereas, Nearly half of all jurors serving in violent criminal cases experience trauma-related symptoms including intrusive thoughts, sleep disruption, anxiety, avoidance, hypervigilance, and depression, per a 2016 literature review examining the relationship between jury service and mental health outcomes, published in the Journal of Criminal Justice; and
Whereas, Research has shown that jurors exposed to graphic evidence and emotionally charged testimony for weeks, and sometimes months, may experience vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress, which can closely resemble the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); and
Whereas, Unlike legal and healthcare professionals who often receive training and support for processing exposure to traumatic material, jurors are ordinary members of the public who are abruptly called from their daily lives and exposed to disturbing evidence with little to no preparation or support; and
Whereas, Researchers have identified several stressors unique to jury service that may negatively affect jurors' mental health; and
Whereas, These stressors include repeated exposure to graphic photographs, videos, and testimony; uncertainty regarding the length of a trial; disruption to employment, family, and personal responsibilities; restrictions on discussing the case with others during the trial; and the immense responsibility of rendering a verdict that may profoundly alter the lives of victims, defendants, and their families; and
Whereas, The psychological effects of jury service may persist long after a trial has concluded, impacting jurors' mental health, relationships, and ability to return to their normal routines; and
Whereas, Several jurisdictions have recognized the need to support jurors exposed to traumatic material through counseling and other mental health resources, including Texas, which authorizes its counties to create local programs to provide up to ten hours of post-trial psychological counseling to jurors involved in cases featuring graphic evidence or testimony; and
Whereas, Despite the documented risk of trauma associated with violent criminal cases, New York State does not provide mandated post-trial mental health support for jurors, leaving many to suffer lasting psychological effects and independently locate and pay for treatment; and
Whereas, Providing access to mental health counseling for jurors who experience trauma as a result of fulfilling their civic duty would help mitigate the harmful effects of jury service, support juror well-being, and strengthen public confidence in the state’s justice system; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation establishing a program to provide up to ten hours of post-trial psychological counseling, at no cost, to jurors who serve in cases involving graphic, gruesome, or highly emotional evidence or testimony.
LS #25640
8/20/2026 12:42 PM
M.B.