INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE JURORS
AND GENERAL JURY INFORMATION By
Mary Borchers, Jury Commissioner
WELCOME:
You have been summoned to appear as a Juror in your Court of Common Pleas. Most persons who serve find it interesting and we hope that you do also. You will get an insight into the work of the Courts that cannot be obtained in any other way. You may find the work is difficult and possibly not as exciting as you would expect. We realize that your daily life is interrupted and appreciate your assistance.
HOW YOU WERE SUMMONED FOR JURY DUTY:
According to Ohio law, jurors may be summoned from the list of registered voters in the county or jurors may be summoned from a list of registered voters and licensed drivers in the county. Presently, this court summons jurors from the list of registered voters of Miami County, Ohio.
A source list is developed by a random computerized drawing from the registered voters in the county. From this source list there are three random computerized drawings each year. The jurors that are drawn are notified by mail they have been selected for jury duty.
WHAT IS A GRAND JUROR?
The grand jury consists of a group of men and woman who decide whether a person should be placed on trial for a criminal offense.
GRAND JUROR-WHAT WILL HAPPEN THE FIRST DAY YOU REPORT:
All Grand Jurors must report on the first date as summoned. The Judge will charge the grand jury. In the charge the judge explains carefully duties and responsibilities of the grand jury. A grand jury will be seated and begin hearing cases. The remaining Grand Jurors will be designated as Substitute Grand Jurors and released for the day. The Substitute Grand Jurors will be contacted when they need to report.
The Grand Jury consists of nine members, including the foreperson, and two alternates, all of whom must be present to transact business. If less than this quorum exists, proceedings must stop. If an emergency interferes with your attendance, tell the Deputy Jury Commissioner promptly so a substitute can be obtained. |