|
Frequently Asked Questions -- Jury Service (Part 1)
Why is jury service important?
What is my duty as a juror?
What are the eligibility requirements to serve as a juror?
How was I selected for jury service?
How much notice will I be given that I am to appear for jury service?
Do I have to respond to the summons to jury service?
How soon must I return the juror history questionnaire?
What if I no longer live in Oakland County?
I received a questionnaire for my spouse or relative who is deceased. What should I do?
How long am I on call for jury service?
Can jury service be rescheduled?
What about my job?
What if I have a medical condition that would prevent me from serving jury duty?
Can a parent complete a questionnaire for a son or daughter who is away at college?
How will I know if I am to report for jury service?
Where do we report for jury service?
Why is jury service important?
The U.S. Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to trial by an impartial jury. Justice ultimately depends to a large measure upon the quality of the jurors who serve in our courts. That is why you are important.
Back To Top
What is my duty as a juror?
As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system.
Back To Top
What are the eligibility requirements to serve as a juror?
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be a resident of Oakland County.
- Be 18 years or older.
- Be conversant with the English language.
- Be physically and mentally able to carry out the functions of a juror. Temporary inability shall not be considered a disqualification.
- Not have served as a petit or grand juror, in a court of record, during the preceding 12 months.
- Never have been convicted of a felony.
A person 70 years of age or older may claim exemption from jury service and shall be exempt upon making the request. All other persons are expected to serve and should appear to be interviewed for possible selection.
Back To Top
How was I selected for jury service?
Potential jurors are selected randomly from the State of Michigan Driver's License list and Personal Identification Cardholder list for individuals residing in Oakland County. The selection method is designed to produce a cross section of the community. Men and women over 18 years of age and from all walks of life have an equal opportunity to be called for jury service.
Back To Top
How much notice will I be given that I am to appear for jury service?
The summons/order to appear for jury service is mailed to jurors approximately one month before they are to appear for jury selection.
Back To Top
Do I have to respond to the summons to jury service?
Yes. The summons to appear for jury service is an official court summons. If you do not respond, you could be held in contempt of court!
Back To Top
How soon must I return the juror history questionnaire?
Jurors must return the questionnaire within 10 days of receipt. A self-addressed, postage-paid mailing envelope is provided with the questionnaire.
Back To Top
What if I no longer live in Oakland County?
If you no longer live in Oakland County, please write your new address in the space provided on the front of the questionnaire, answer question number two, and return the questionnaire to the Jury Office. You will be excused from jury service upon receipt of your questionnaire indicating your new address.
Back To Top
I received a questionnaire for my spouse or relative who is deceased. What should I do?
The questionnaire should be returned with "DECEASED" written next to the person's name. Once we receive this information, he or she will be removed from our list.
Back To Top
How long am I on call for jury service?
The term of service is one trial. The average trial is 3-5 days. If you are not selected to serve as a juror by the end of the first day and you are not ordered to return for the second day of jury selection, your service is complete. If you are seated on a case you will serve as long as the case lasts.
Back To Top
Can jury service be rescheduled?
Jurors may be allowed a postponement of their jury service. To request a postponement, please complete both front and back of your questionnaire. On the back give the reason you would like to be postponed and mark the most desirable month for you to serve within the next six months. Mail your completed questionnaire with your postponement request to the Jury Office. A written response to your request for postponement will be mailed 7-10 days after receipt of the request. If you are requesting a postponement less than 10 days prior to your assigned service date, you must personally speak with a clerk.
Back To Top
What about my job?
Your employer can't fire, demote, or otherwise penalize you for missing work while performing jury service. Many employers will continue to pay your salary while you are in jury service. Contact your employer to find out what the policy is at your place of employment.
Back To Top
What if I have a medical condition that would prevent me from serving jury duty?
In order to be excused for medical reasons you must complete question number six (6) of the questionnaire and return it to the Jury Office with a doctor's note. Your request for excusal will not be considered without a doctor's note. A written response to your request for excusal will be mailed 7-10 days after receipt of the request.
Back To Top
Can a parent complete a questionnaire for a son or daughter who is away at college?
To request a postponement for a college student, on the back of the questionnaire, please indicate the reason for the postponement and mark the most desirable month for the student to serve. A parent may request the postponement on behalf of a son or daughter. Please return the questionnaire with the postponement request to the Jury Office. A written response to the request for postponement will be mailed 7-10 days after receipt of the request.
Back To Top
How will I know if I am to report for jury service?
You must call 248-858-0029 after 5:00 p.m. the day before your appearance date. You may call after 5:00 p.m. on Friday and through the weekend for a Monday appearance date. A recorded message will instruct you by participant number and confirm your reporting date and time.
Back To Top
Where do we report for jury service?
Jurors must report to the Jury Office, located on the first floor of the Oakland County Courthouse, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan. Juror hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, unless otherwise informed by court personnel.
Back To Top
|
