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Jury Duty
The Chairman of the Jury Committee, Judge David Matia, and the Judges of the Common Pleas Court , would like to inform you that for your convenience the Court of Common Pleas now provides wireless internet to you while serving on jury duty. Details for this service will be given when you check-in for jury service.
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Jury Duty Frequently Asked Questions
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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. 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. §2313.16)
The following are disqualified, and thus may not serve as jurors:
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Persons who are no longer residents of Cuyahoga County; 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.
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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: Your length of jury duty normally is 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.
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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: On your first day you should report to the 4th Floor of the
Justice Center at 8:00 a.m. for orientation. Court hours normally are 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.
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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. You
may not bring electronic pagers or cellular telephones with you into the jury
room or trial. These items are allowed only in the juror lounge.
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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: Telephone the Jury Bailiffs (216-443-8625) and advise them of
your situation. They will either answer your questions or inform the Court
accordingly.
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Cuyahoga County
Court of Common Pleas
1200 Ontario St.
Cleveland, Ohio 44113-1678
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