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Jury Service is an opportunity for citizens
to participate in their County Court system. It is the
willingness and ability of citizens to serve as jurors that
preserve our system of justice.
Persons 18 and older are eligible to serve on a jury.
The Petit Jury in Criminal Court hears both sides of its
case and arrives at a decision of guilt or innocence.
In a civil case the jury finds in favor of the plaintiff or
the defendant and usually determines the amount of the
award.
The two Jury Commissioners, one from
Democratic Party and one from the Republican Party, are
charged with maintaining the integrity of the jury selection
system. The Jury Commissioners are elected to
four-year terms and serve part time.
The panels are summoned every month to
hear Civil and Criminal cases scheduled for trial in the
County's three Courtrooms. When reporting for jury
duty the jurors attend an orientation program designed to
help them understand the rules of conduct, duties of jurors,
and an overview of what occurs during a trial. |