Jury Duty at 52-2 District Court

Being a Juror is a vital part of our justice system. It is the duty of each American citizen to serve jury duty when called. It is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. Just as you would want to have a fair and equitable jury for yourself or someone you love, every other citizen is entitled to the same. Your participation in our legal system as a juror is the cornerstone of our justice system.

The Oakland County Jury Commission chooses prospective jurors from random computer selection by driver's license number. The questionnaire that you previously filled out from this random selection is then forwarded to the proper jurisdiction. Prospective jurors are randomly selected from these questionnaires for jury duty.

Each prospective juror is chosen from a blind draw. Each prospective juror is then interviewed by the defense and prosecuting attorneys to determine if they will be chosen as a juror.

• Bring your summons with you
• Be on time
• Dress appropriately (no shorts or tanktops)
• Arrange for your own child care during your jury term
• Arrange for your transportation to and from jury duty

The United States 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.

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.

• 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 been paid as a 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 be available to serve and should follow the reporting instructions on their summons.

Potential jurors are selected randomly from the State of Michigan Drivers License list or 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.

The summons/order to appear for jury service is mailed to jurors approximately one month before they are to appear for jury selection.

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.

If you no longer live in the County of Oakland, you must submit a copy of the front and back of your driver's license showing your new address. You may submit through US mail or by fax at 248-625-5602.

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.

You must be available for selection on the date and time listed on your Summons for Jury Duty.  Please be advised, your service will likely continue on additional days the same or following week.

Jurors may be allowed a postponement of their jury service for good cause. All requests to be deferred or excused must be submitted to the Court in writing. Requests based on medical reasons must be accompanied by a doctor’s statement. Requests may be mailed, faxed, or emailed to 522juryclerk@oakgov.com.

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.

In order to be excused for medical reasons you must submit a letter from you doctor stating why you are unable to serve, for what period of time you are unable to serve or stating that you should be fully exempt from service.

Upon entry at the court, there will be a clerk in the lobby that will check you in and direct you to the jury area. 

The average trial lasts approximately one day. However, some cases start and finish in two days.

On the first day of your jury service you should report to the court at 8:30am. At that time, you will be told the procedure for reporting for the rest of the term. If seated on a jury, you will receive instructions from the Judge hearing the case, regarding the hours he or she conducts court.

Yes. The parties in a case generally seek to settle their differences and avoid the time and expense of a trial. Sometimes the case is settled just moments before it is scheduled to begin. So, even though several cases are scheduled for a day, the court doesn't know until that morning how many will actually go to trial. Your time spent waiting is not wasted -- your very presence in the courthouse encourages settlement.

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 a half day and $45.00 for a full day. You will also be paid round trip mileage of $.20 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.

Proof of jury service is prepared upon request. You will be given the opportunity to make your request on your first day of service.

Your appearance as a juror reflects the seriousness of the proceedings. The dress code is appropriate business attire.

The court will provide verbal orientation to inform and educate you about jury service and the trial process. You will also learn about your role as a juror and what you should and should not do while in the courthouse and serving on a jury.

It is very important that all jurors report each day they are told to report and that they be on time. Your absence may delay a trial. If you have an emergency (such as a sudden illness or a death in the family), call the court immediately.