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Responsibilities as a Juror
WHEN/IF YOU ARE REQUIRED TO APPEAR we will contact you using the contact information you provided on your questionnaire the evening before you are to report. You may also check on your status by visiting e-Response at http://eresponse.calhouncountymi.gov/ or calling the jury line (1-855-509-5879) after 5 pm each evening. If you are scheduled to report a date and time will be provided to you by both eResponse/jury line – if there is no date or time listed you have not been scheduled to appear.
Do not report on the first day of your term unless you are instructed to do so.
- 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.
- Jurors must not let radio, television, newspaper articles, or other publicity concerning a case affect their decision. A verdict must be based on the evidence presented at trial.
- Jurors must not discuss the case with friends, relatives, or trial participants. If you are approached about the case, report the incident to the Jury Coordinator or Court Officer immediately.
- Jurors must not become involved in independent investigations of the case. When it becomes necessary to inspect a scene, the jury will do so as a group under the court's supervision only.
- Jurors must be impartial and avoid comments or expressions during the trial which convey feelings about the case.
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're called for jury duty. While you are waiting in the assembly room, the judges, lawyers, and litigants are attempting 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 which 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, witnesses, or litigants who are present in the courthouse for a trial.
We will try to make your waiting as comfortable as possible. Coffee, water, and reading material are provided. If you have a medical necessity that requires you to eat or drink at certain times during the day, please notify the jury clerk. Food/beverages are not allowed in the courtrooms.
An approximate one-hour lunch break will be provided. Lunch will be at your own expense unless you are told otherwise.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS WITH YOU.
During this waiting time, however, we must prevent any interaction which 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, witnesses, or litigants who are present in the courthouse for a trial.
We will try to make your waiting as comfortable as possible. Coffee, water, and reading material are provided. If you have a medical necessity that requires you to eat or drink at certain times during the day, please notify the jury clerk. Food/beverages are not allowed in the courtrooms.
An approximate one-hour lunch break will be provided. Lunch will be at your own expense unless you are told otherwise.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS WITH YOU.
