Thiel v. Southern Pacific Co.

328 U.S. 217 (1946)

Issue:

Whether an impartial jury was drawn from a cross-section of the community if the court systematically excludes day workers.

Holding:

An impartial jury cannot be drawn from a cross-section of the community if the court systematically excludes day workers.

Rule:

The fact that a person earns a minimal wage per day is not a sufficient to completely excuse this class from jury duty, and the question of actual hardship must be addressed on an individual basis before allowing an excuse.