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Upon receipt of a juror qualification form, you have five days
in which to complete and return the form to the jury coordinator.
Erie County utilizes a dual summons process. One summons is to
be completed and returned and the second is retained by the juror
for information purposes, as well as the instructions for use
of the juror call-in system.
All requests for excusals and/or rescheduling jury service must
be in writing. The jury coordinator cannot excuse jurors by telephone
unless so ordered by a judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
Erie County operates its jury system on the one day/one trial
basis. Each juror is assigned a specific service day. If that
juror is not selected to hear a trial on the day they're assigned,
at the end of that day their jury service is completed and they
may return to their normal routine. However, if a person is selected
to hear a trial, they will need to return for each day until
the trial is completed. Jurors usually are not required to remain
overnight. However, a jury is occasionally sequestered, that
is, kept separated from the public for the duration of the trial
when the Judge deems the action necessary because of the nature
of the trial. If sequestered, the jurors will have an opportunity
to communicate with their families through court personnel, and
arrangements will be made to have their clothing and personal
articles delivered to them. Following their term of jury service
jurors will be compensated at the current rate of jury service
plus a travel allowance.
For many persons, serving as a juror is an inconvenience and
a sacrifice. However, the success of the jury system depends
upon your service. Your contribution is important not only
to the community but also to you personally, since our form
of society is only as strong as its system of justice. Your
participation as a juror will leave you with firsthand knowledge
of the judicial branch of government. You will find most trials
extremely interesting and will feel gratified to have taken
part in a real-life drama of great significance to a fellow
human being. You should take pride in helping to preserve and
strengthen our system of justice.
Jury duty is one of the most important duties a citizen can
perform for their country. Many other systems have been tried
throughout the world, but our system is the one believed most
likely to accomplish justice and fairness. Trial by an impartial
jury of citizens from the community is the cornerstone of the
American judicial system by which our people judge and settle
all controversies. It guarantees that no one person or government
will dictate their opinion to others. It guarantees that all
final decisions involving our liberty and property rest in the
capable hands of the honorable men and women who serve as jurors.
For additional information on jury duty in Erie County, call
the Jury Coordinator at 451-6390.
If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.
Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
at (814) 459-4411. |
