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Juror's Handbook

22nd Circuit Court

Jury Clerk's Office:(734) 222-3354


Welcome to Jury Service!

You have been summoned for jury duty in Washtenaw County. This information is provided to assist you and answer questions you may have. The list below links to specific topics of concern to jurors.

    Importance of Jury Service:

    Jurors perform a vital role in sustaining the American system of Justice.


    As intended by the United States Constitution, the impartial and random selection of jurors is performed without regard to race, sex, occupation, education or economic level, and is done so as to assemble a representative cross-section of the County's populations.

    Jury duty is an important and rewarding service. To insure that the decision of the court is a fair and just one, each juror must take their duty seriously. Through your service, the people of Washtenaw County participate directly in the administration of justice.

    Am I Eligible to be a Juror?

    You are exempt from jury service if:

    1. You are not a resident of Washtenaw County;
    2. You have served as a Circuit juror within the last 12 months;
    3. You are currently serving a sentence; or
    4. You are on probation or parole.

    How Long Will I Serve on Jury Duty?

    You are required to serve on one trial. If you are not selected to serve on a trial the day(s) you report, or asked to return the next day for ongoing selection, you are done. If you are selected to serve on a trial, you must complete that trial. A trial may last a few days or several days, depending on the nature of the case. You should make no personal plans for the two week period after you report.

    How Do I Get Paid?

    In accordance with State Law, you will be compensated at the rate of $7.50 per half day of service. If you serve a full day, you will receive $15.00. You will be compensated for travel at the rate of $.10 per mile based on the round-trip distance between your local voting precinct and the court. Reimbursement checks are issued within four (4) weeks of the last day of service. The stub will show the dates of service and the compensation received. If required by your employer, an attendance statement can be requested at the end of each week of service.

    What Happens When I Get There?

    Checking In

    After checking in, you must wear your badge at all times. the badge is important, it tells other people in the courthouse that you are a juror and that they should not expose you to any information about the cases you might be called to serve on. If you lose or forget your badge, go to the Jury Clerk and a new one will be issued.

    Orientation

    After everyone is check in you will receive an orientation from the jury clerk. One of the Circuit judges will also speak and you will see a short video describing the jury selection and trial process.

    Waiting

    There is an old saying that "Those also serve who sit and wait." This is especially true for jury service. There are many cases set for trial on the day you called for jury duty. While you are waiting in the assembly area, the judges, lawyers and litigant are making last efforts to settle those cases without the expense and delay of a jury trial. Often it is the mere presence of jurors that encourages an agreement that avoids a prolonged trial.

    During this waiting time, however, we must prevent any interaction which could prejudice the pending trials. To protect the integrity of the system and to prevent mistrials, you must stay in the assembly room unless excused by the Jury Clerk (you may not sit in or wander in the hallway). Do not talk to anyone other than court staff or other jurors as it may be an attorney or litigants who are present in the courthouse for a trial. Do not use the Coffee Shop located on the first floor.

    We will try to make your waiting as convenient as possible. Some video entertainment will be available. Coffee, juice and donuts will be provided. If you have a medical necessity that requires you to eat or drink at certain times during the day, please notify the Jury Clerk of this. Food/beverages are not allowed in the courtrooms proper.

    Lunch will be at your own expense unless you are told otherwise.

    Restrooms

    Special restrooms are designated for juror use. They are locked and you must obtain a key from the Jury Clerk. These restrooms are located on the right hand side of the west hallway. Women's is the 4th door and Men's is just past the water fountain (down small corridor).

    Smoking

    The County Courthouse is a SMOKE FREE building. Smoking is allowed only at designated places and times. If you feel you must smoke while you are waiting, you must wait until the designated time and then you will be escorted to the smoking location by court staff.

    How Do I Get Selected to Hear a Case?

    When called by the individual court, a panel of jurors will be taken to a specific courtroom and be given preliminary information by the judge. A number of jurors will then be selected at random to sit in the jury box. If your number is called, please take the seat as directed in the jury box. If you are not selected for that case, you must then return immediately to the Jury Assembly room for potential assignment to another courtroom. If you are selected as a juror, you will receive additional instruction from the courtroom staff. Trial times and the duration of the trial will be explained to you by the Judge or staff of that courtroom.

    Parking:

    Parking is the responsibility of the juror unless you are selected for a jury. If selected as a juror, you must park in the Washington/Fourth Ave. Parking Structure and receive a parking stub. The entrance to the structure is on Washington St. The court will pay for your parking by validating your parking ticket. (See the Judicial attorney for this.)

    Jurors'

    Responsibilities:

    Jurors must be prompt in arriving at the court. A trial cannot begin unless all jurors are present.

    Jurors must give their undivided attention to the witnesses, attorneys, and proceedings. Remember that the outcome of the case is very important to those concerned.

    Jurors must not let radio, television, newspaper articles or other publicity concerning a case affect their decision. A verdict must be based on the evidence presented at trial. Jurors must not discuss the case with friends, relatives, or trial participants. If you are approached about the case, report the incident to the judicial attorney immediately.

    Jurors must not become involved in independent investigations about the case. When it becomes necessary to inspect a scene, the jury will do so as a group under the court's supervision only.

    Jurors must be impartial and avoid comments or expressions during the trial which convey feelings about the case.

    Final Note:

    The jury is a critical element in our system of justice. You should be proud of your service as a juror. Your presence in the panel is necessary, regardless of whether you are selected to serve on a case. The court and the litigants appreciate your service.

    Circuit Judges:

    Archie C. Brown
    Timmothy P. Connors
    Melinda Morris
    Donald E. Shelton
    David S. Swartz



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