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52-1
District Court Juror Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Why
is Jury Service Important?
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. Back
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What
is My Duty as a Juror?
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. Back To Top
What
are the eligibility requirements to serve as a juror?
- 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
served as a petit or grand juror, in a court of record, during the preceding
12 months
- Not be
under sentence for a felony at the time of jury selection.
- A person
70 years of age or older may claim exemption from jury service and shall
be exempt upon making the request.
Back To Top
How
was I selected for jury service?
Potential
jurors are selected randomly from the State of Michigan Drivers License
list and 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.
Back To Top
How
much notice will I be given that I am to appear 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. Back
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Do
I have to respond to the summons to jury service?
Yes. The
summons to appear for jury service is an official court order. If you
do not respond, you could be held in contempt of court! Back
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What
if I no longer live in Oakland County?
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 248-305-6118. Back
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I
received a questionnaire for my spouse or relative who is deceased. What
should I do?
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. Back To Top
How
long am I on call for jury service?
Under
normal circumstances, your term for service is only for the two days
noted on your summons. However, you should be prepared for additional
days of service if needed. Back
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Can
jury service be rescheduled?
Jurors
may be allowed a postponement of their jury service for good cause.
To request a postponement, contact the Jury Clerk immediately at 248-305-6131.
You may also submit a written request stating the specific reasons for
your request. You will be contacted as soon as a decision is made. Back
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What
about my job?
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. Back
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What
if I have a medical condition that would prevent me from serving jury
duty?
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. Back To Top
Where
do we report for jury service?
Jurors
must report to the Jury Check-in counter, inside our building at 48150
Grand River Ave., Novi, Michigan. The counter is located to your far
right when entering the building. (See main jury page for map) Back
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What
hours will I serve?
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 ,who will be hearing the case, as to the hours he or she conducts
court. Back To Top
What
is the average length of a trial in the 52-1 District Court?
The average
trial lasts approximately one day. However, some cases start and finish
in two days. Back To Top
Is
it possible that I might report for jury service but not sit on a jury?
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. Back
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How
am I compensated?
You will
be paid $15.00 per day for each day you must report to the courthouse,
plus $.10 per mile. This amount is set by the state legislature and
is considered reimbursement for your travel and other expenses.
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Will
I receive proof of my jury service for my employer?
Proof
of jury service is prepared upon request. You will be given the opportunity
to make your request on you first day of service. Back
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What
Is the Dress Code?
Your appearance
as a juror reflects the seriousness of the proceedings. The dress code
is appropriate business attire.
Back To Top
How
will I know what to expect and what to do during my jury service?
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.
Back To Top
What
if an unexpected emergency keeps me from coming to the courthouse while
I'm 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. Back To
Top
Is
there anything I can do to make my jury service more comfortable, convenient,
and enjoyable?
Certainly!
While efforts are made to reduce delay and avoid waiting time, you may
have to wait awhile at the courthouse before you find out whether you
have been chosen to actually sit on a jury. So bring a book or other
quiet activity or get to know your fellow jurors. Televisions, pay phones
and vending machines are located in the jury assembly room. Electrical
outlets are also available for laptop computers. Remember that as a
juror, you are a vital part of the Court system. Part of the job of
many court employees is to help make your jury service comfortable and
convenient. Don't be afraid to ask them for help. Back
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