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1. What are the responsibilities of a juror?

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.

• The trial will begin with opening statements by the attorneys for both sides. The examination of witnesses and presentation of evidence will begin after opening statements.
• In final arguments, both attorneys will have an opportunity to summarize their positions and review the facts of the case. At the conclusion of the final arguments, the judge will issue instructions to the jury concerning the law and its application to the particular case.
• The jurors will then proceed to the jury room to begin deliberation. The jurors must select a foreperson who presides over these deliberations. You will discuss the evidence and attempt to arrive at a fair and impartial verdict based on the facts presented during the trial and the law as given by the judge's instruction. When deliberations are complete, you will return to the courtroom for the presentation of your verdict.

2. How long will it take?

The 14A District Court conducts jury trials throughout the month of service. This means that your term of service will last for the duration of the selection process (typically 1 day) or the duration of one trial if you are seated on a jury (typically 1 to 2 additional days.) District Court trials are for misdemeanor criminal offenses (offenses in which a convicted defendant may be sentenced up to a maximum of 1 year in jail) and civil law suits in which the amount in dispute is less than $25,000. Jury trials for these types of cases generally last anywhere from 1 day to 1 week, although occasionally a trial may continue beyond 1 week.

3. Will serving on jury duty affect my job?

Your employer is required by law to release you for jury service. An employer who discharges or disciplines or threatens to discharge or discipline an employee because that person is summoned for jury service may be charged with a misdemeanor and also may be punished for contempt of court. In addition, an employer may be charged with a misdemeanor if he/she forces an employee to work any number of hours during a day which, in combination with the hours served as a juror that day, exceeds the number of hours normally and customarily worked by the person during a day (unless otherwise provided in a collective bargaining agreement).

Although not mandated by State law, many employers today will continue to pay you during your jury service. As mandated by law, jurors receive not less than $25 per day ($12.50 per half day) for the first day of jury service; $40 per day for each subsequent day ($20 per half day). Also jurors are paid $0.10 per mile for round-trip travel from home to the 14A District Court. Should your employer continue to pay you during jury service, he/she may require you to remit your juror compensation.

4. Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns about Jury Service?

For general jury questions, please email the 14A Jury Clerk, Paul Ward. If you need to call, please call 734-973-4580. If you are assigned to serve on a panel and you have questions, please contact the 14A Jury Clerk at the location for which you have been summoned for jury service with any questions or concerns about jury service:

• 14A-1 Jury Clerk
  Becky Rod
  4133 Washtenaw Avenue
  P.O. Box 8645
  Ann Arbor, MI 48107-4865
  Phone: 734-973-4880
• 14A-2 Jury Clerk
  Colleen Turek
  415 W Michigan Avenue
  Ypsilanti, MI 48197
  Phone: 734-484-6619
• 14A-3 Jury Clerk
  Deborah Orlowski
  122 S Main Street
  Chelsea, MI 48118
  Phone: 734-475-8606, ext. 2120

5. Where can I read the Juror's Manual prepared by the State Bar of Michigan?

View the Juror's Manual (PDF).