Jury Process

Security

People entering the courthouse must pass through metal detectors and may be searched. Purses, briefcases, or other containers may also be searched. Weapons are prohibited in the courthouse facility. Follow the link for detailed information about court security.

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 checked in, you will receive an orientation from the jury clerk. 

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 litigants are making last efforts to settle those cases without the expense and delay of a jury trial. Often the mere presence of jurors encourages an agreement that avoids a prolonged trial.

During this waiting time, however, we must prevent any interaction that 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. 

We will try to make your waiting as convenient as possible.  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.

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

Restrooms

Special restrooms are designated for juror use.  These restrooms are located on the second floor right outside the Jury Assembly Room.

Smoking

The County Courthouse is a smoke-free building. Smoking is not allowed during the jury selection process.