Jury Duty Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I summoned for Petit Jury or Grand Jury (What's the difference) ? [Back to Top]
Answer:
Grand Jury Jurors.
On the front of your summons above your
mailing address you will see the phrase "OFFICIAL GRAND JURY
SUMMONS. DO NOT FORWARD OUT OF COUNTY." Also on the
front of your summons just left of your mailing address
you will see a Court Room and Time to report to on the date of your
service. Grand Jury jurors serve two days a week for four months if selected.
Petit Jury Jurors.
On the front of your summons above your
mailing address you will see the phrase "OFFICIAL JURY
SUMMONS. DO NOT FORWARD OUT OF COUNTY". Petit jurors are
instructed to report to the 4th floor Jury Commission on their
report date at 8:00 a.m. Petit Jury service
is normally one week. However, if you are serving on a jury
and the trial is not completed by the end of the week, you will be
required to continue to report until the trial is concluded.
The instructions about your service are also outlined between Sections 1&2 of the summons.
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How may I complete my juror information form ? [Back to Top]
Answer: Your Juror Information Form may be completed in two ways.
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Complete the form sent with your summons and mail it to the Jury Commission within ten days.
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Complete the information form online by click here Juror
Information Form
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May I postpone or defer my attendance for jury duty? [Back to Top]
Answer: A temporary deferral of jury duty can be granted under certain circumstances only for Petit jurors. Grand Jury
jurors are not eligible for a temporary deferral.
If service at this time presents a hardship, you must submit a request in writing to the Jury
Commission, Justice Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, or by fax: (216)443-3044. You must submit your request for deferral as early as
possible following receipt of your summons for jury duty.
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If you have a medical excuse, you must submit a doctor's statement containing condition and
prognosis.
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Remember, in most cases this is not an exemption but only a temporary postponement of jury duty.
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If you believe you may be exempt from serving, you should note the reason on
the back of your jury summons and return it to the Jury Commission.
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Who is exempt or disqualified from jury duty? [Back to Top]
Answer: Under a Ohio law, only cloistered members of religious
organizations are exempt from jury service. Previously attorneys, physicians,
dentists, elected public officials, and persons over the age of 70 all were
exempt from jury service; however, they now may be called for jury duty. (Ohio Rev. Code. §2313.14)
The following are disqualified, and thus may not serve as jurors:
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Persons who are no longer residents of Cuyahoga County
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Persons who have been convicted of a felony, and whose rights have not been restored (Revised Code §2961.01)
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Persons who have served as jurors in a court of record in Cuyahoga County within the past year.(Ohio Rev. Code. §2313.21)
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If you believe you may be exempt from serving, you should note the reason on a
separate sheet of paper, and return it to the the Jury Commission with
completed information form. Do not return the summons.
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I have moved from Cuyahoga County; what should I do? [Back to Top]
Answer: If you are not currently a resident of Cuyahoga County, please return your
information form showing your current address.
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How long is jury service? [Back to Top]
Answer:
Petit Jury Service.
The length of jury duty for Petit jurors is normally one week. However, if you are serving on a jury and the trial is not completed by the end of
the week, you will be required to continue to report until the trial is concluded. You will be advised if the trial is expected to last
past the end of the week, so that you may make appropriate arrangements.
Grand Jury. Grand Jury service is two days a week for four months if you are selected.
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What is the proper attire? [Back to Top]
Answer: You should use your own judgment and report for jury duty
properly dressed. Since you may be sitting in place for a considerable length
of time, you should dress casually and comfortably.
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When should I be in Court for my jury duty? [Back to Top]
Answer:
Petit Jury Service. On your first day Petit jurors should report to the 4th Floor of
the Justice Center at 8:00 a.m. for orientation. Court hours are normally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you
are not in trial, lunch break is 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and you will be excused for the day at 3:30 p.m. If you are in trial, the
trial judge will advise you of the Court's schedule.
Grand Jury Service.
For Grand Jury, jurors are instructed to report directly to the court room that shows on the front on their summons. Don't forget to
check the time you are to report. Depending on which Grand Jury you were summoned for, you could be reporting at either 8:30
a.m. or 1:30 p.m. on your report date.
The instructions about your servuce are also outlined between Sections 1&2 of the summons.
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What should I expect? [Back to Top]
Answer:
You should plan on spending at least part of your stay outside the courtroom waiting
to be called for a trial. You may bring reading material or other
appropriate items to occupy your time when you are not in trial.
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How much will I be paid? [Back to Top]
Answer: Jurors are paid at the rate of $20.00 per day. Payment is made
by check, 2-3 weeks after the completion of jury service. You are expected to
provide your own meals, transportation, and/or parking. If you need a letter to
your employer confirming your time on jury duty, we will provide one upon
completion of your service along with certificate of service.
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What about meals?
[Back to Top]
Answer: There are several restaurants in various price ranges within a
short walk of the Justice Center, and there is a Cafeteria located on the 4th
floor of the Justice Center, around the corner from the Jury Commission.
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How will I be advised if the Court is closed due to a
weather emergency? [Back to Top]
Answer: Announcements of closings of government offices, including the
Justice Center, are made over radio and television stations, the same as with
school closings.
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What do I do if I have a problem appearing during my
jury service? [Back to Top]
Answer:
Petit Jury Service. Telephone the Petit Jury Bailiffs (216-443-8625)
and advise them of your situation. They will either answer your questions or inform the Court accordingly.
Grand Jury Service. The Grand Jury Bailiffs can be reached at (216) 443-8666 or (216) 443-8652.
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Is there internet service available? [Back to Top]
Answer: Yes, the court provides free internet service for Petit jurors. Internet service is available while you wait for
your court room assignment. Details on this service will be provided during orientation.
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