PrintJuror Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
86th District Court Juror InformationAnswers to frequently asked questions related to jury duty service:
Why is jury service important?
What is my duty as a juror?
What are the eligibility requirements to serve as a juror?
How was I selected for jury service?
How much notice will I be given that I am to appear for jury service?
Do I have to respond to the summons to jury service?
What if I no longer live in the county in which I am being summoned for jury duty?
How long am I on call for jury service?
Can jury service be rescheduled?
What about my job?
What if I have a medical condition that would prevent me from serving jury duty?
Where do I report for jury service?
What is the average length of a trial in the 86th District Court?
What hours will I serve?
Is it possible that I might report for jury service but not sit on a jury?
How am I compensated?
Will I receive proof of my jury service for my employer?
What is the dress code?
How will I know what to expect and what to do during my jury service?
What if an unexpected emergency keeps me from coming to the courthouse while I'm on a jury?
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements to serve as a juror?
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a resident of the county in which you were summoned
• 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
Q: How was I selected for jury service?
Potential jurors are selected randomly from the State of Michigan driver's license list and personal identification cardholder list for individuals residing in Antrim, Grand Traverse or Leelanau Counties. 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.
Q: 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 2 weeks before they are to appear for jury selection.
Q: 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.
Q: What if I no longer live in the county in which I am being summoned for jury duty?
If you no longer live in the county in which you are being summoned, you must submit proof to the court of your change of address, i.e. a copy of the front and back of your driver's license or state identification card.
Q: How long am I on call for jury service?
Under normal circumstances, your term for service is the day of jury selection and any days you have been chosen to sit as a juror, normally up to a maximum of 3 trials. However, you should be prepared for additional days of service if needed.
Q: Can jury service be rescheduled?
Jurors may be allowed a postponement of their jury service for good cause. To request a postponement, you must submit a written request stating the specific reasons for your request. You will be contacted as soon as a decision is made.
Q: 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.
Q: 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 your 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.
Q: Where do I report for jury service?
Jurors must report to the 86th District Courthouse in the county in which they have been summoned. In Grand Traverse County, jurors should report directly to the courtroom indicated on the summons. In Antrim and Leelanau Counties, jurors should report to the court clerk before entering the courtroom.
Q: What is the average length of a trial in the 86th District Court?
The average trial lasts approximately 1/2 day; however, some cases may be scheduled for 1 full day.
Q: What hours will I serve?
On the first day of your jury service you should report to the court at the time specified in the summons. 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 date and time of the trial and you will be given a reminder slip.
Q: 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. So even though several cases are scheduled for jury selection, 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.
Q: How am I compensated?
In accordance with state law, jurors selected to report will receive $25.00 for the first day ($12.50 for the first half day) and $40.00 ($20.00 for each half day) for each subsequent day of actual service plus $.25 per mile in travel expenses. Reimbursement checks are usually issued within 2 weeks of the last trial date scheduled for that jury panel.
Q: Will I receive proof of my jury service for my employer?
Proof of jury service is prepeared upon request. If required by your employer, you will be given the opportunity to make your request for an attendance statement at the end of jury selection and at the end of each trial you serve on.
Q: What is the dress code?
Your appearance as a juror reflects the seriousness of the proceedings. The dress code is appropriate business attire. Improper attire includes shorts, cutoffs, sleeveless t-shirts, slippers, bare midriffs, tanks and halter tops, spandex pants and tights.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.