Jury Duty

Jury duty is a privilege, a responsibility and an obligation shared by U.S.A. citizens. It is one of the highest duties of citizenship, it accrues from the constitutional right to be tried by a panel of one's peers and involves direct participation in the administration of justice. When summoned for jury duty, a citizen must appear before the court or be tried for contempt of court.

Citizens serving as a member of jury are selected from the electoral register of a constituency within the court's jurisdiction. He or she must swear to answer all questions (posed by the judge or the involved lawyers) truthfully, and give a verdict according to the merits of the evidence presented. Reason for which a person may not be selected as a juror include the following:

1. Personal knowledge of the case
2. Prejudice about the issues to be tried
3. Close relationship with either opposing party
4. A business relationship with one of the involved lawyers

Being a Juror is a vital part of our justice system, and it is the duty of each citizen to serve jury duty when called. Being a Juror is a responsibility that should be taken seriously because participation in the legal system as a juror is the cornerstone of our justice system. Every defendant is entitled to a fair and equitable hearing in front of his/her peers which is comprised of U.S. Citizens called for jury.

You should plan on serving one full day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are selected for a jury trial, you will be expected to serve until the case is concluded.

For the first day of service, you will be paid $15.00 for a half day and $ 30.00 for a full day.  For additional days, you will be paid $22.50 for half day and $45.00 for a full day.  You will also be paid round trip mileage of $.30 per mile, computed from your home address. This amount is set by the state legislature and is considered reimbursement for your travel and other expenses.

To be excused from jury duty, provide to the Court a front and back copy of your driver's license showing your new address.

If you are over 70 years of age, you are not required to serve jury duty. You must show proof of your age in order to be excused. Of course, if you are over 70 and wish to serve, you may.

We will time stamp your summons when you leave the court on jury selection day. You can use this as proof to provide to your employer.

You are not exempt from serving jury duty because you are a student. However, you may write the court to request a deferral.

Medical deferrals must be accompanied by a letter from your doctor two weeks prior to your scheduled jury selection date.

A detailed request in writing must be sent to the Court within 2 weeks of receiving your summons for extraordinary circumstance that requires you to deferred. You must have permission from the Court to be deferred.

Please contact the judicial secretary for the judge that you were assigned at the following:

Judge Marc Barron

Jury Instruction Line
248-647-1141(x134)

Vickie Elliott, Judicial Assistant & Jury Coordinator
248-686-5128
velliott@48thdc.us

Judge Diane D'Agostini

Jury Instruction Line
248-647-1141(x136)

Jessica Kayl
248-686-5123
jkayl@48thdc.us

Judge Kimberly Small

Jury Instruction Line
248-647-1141(x135)

Debbie Albano, Judicial Assistant
248-686-5121
dalbano@48thdc.us

You will be directed to report in the Multi-Purpose Room on the lower level.