Jury Service

Our forefathers believed the best way to ensure liberty was not to allow a King or a Judge or a Bishop to decide guilt or innocence. They correctly realized that placing that power in the hands of one person would lead to abuse and corruption. Instead, they placed this important responsibility in the hands of a jury of the defendant’s peers. Jury service is not an inconvenience. Jury service is not something to “get out of”. It is a privilege. It is a sacred duty.

HOW WAS MY NAME CHOSEN? The names of prospective jurors are selected randomly from a list of registered Morgan County, Ohio voters.

WHAT ABOUT MY CHILDREN? There are no facilities to care for children at the court. You need to make your own child care arrangements in advance.

WHAT ABOUT MY EMPLOYER? By law, employers are not permitted to discharge you, lay you off, deny you advancement opportunity or otherwise penalize you for appearing for jury duty. When you are paid you will receive a document to give to your employer proving that you appeared for jury service.

DO I GET PAID? Prospective jurors are paid $10 per day as allowed by Ohio Law Revised Code Section 2313.22 and the Morgan County Commissioners.

WHAT IF I AM SICK, GOING TO BE OUT OF TOWN, OR OTHERWISE UNABLE TO APPEAR ON THE DAY THAT I AM CALLED? You need to notify the Jury Commissioner Angie McInturf 740-962-3371 as soon as you receive your notice to appear. If you have a health problem, we will need a doctor's statement that you are unable to serve and the period of your disability. If the problem is short term, your appearance will be rescheduled for a later date. Since the Court is required to keep proof of why you were excused or rescheduled, verification may be required.

WHAT IS THE PENALTY IF I REFUSE TO APPEAR? Failure to appear for juror duty is a violation of the law (RC 2313.20) and is considered contempt of court punishable by a fine of $250 and 30 days of jail.

WHEN WILL I SERVE? — The Court will notify you by letter ten to fourteen days prior to your report date. All jurors should be in the Courthouse by 8:15 am. We attempt to start the trials at 8:30am. ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN SEATED ON A JURY YOU WILL BE EXCUSED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR AND THE NEXT CALENDAR YEAR.

HOW LONG WILL THE TRIAL LAST? Most trials last one day. If the trial is expected to last longer, this will be discussed during jury selection and you will be given a chance to indicate problems a longer trial would present for you.

WHAT IF THE TRIAL IS CANCELED? Sometimes cases settle after you have been notified to appear. To find out if you still need to report, call the Court after 2:00 p.m. on the day before your jury service at the number indicated on your letter for a recorded message on the next day's jury service. This phone line will answer at night and on weekends and holidays. (740-962-1390)

I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE LAW? Perfect! The Judge will instruct you during the trial regarding the law of the case.

WHEN WILL I SERVE? The Court will notify you by letter about two to three weeks before your first date of service in January or July.

HOW LONG WILL THE GRAND JURY LAST? The Grand Jury usually meets one morning each month for six consecutive months.

WHAT IS A GRAND JURY? The Grand Jury hears evidence presented by the Prosecutor to decide whether persons should be charged with crimes. Grand Jury sessions are not open to the public.

I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE LAW. The Judge and Prosecutor will instruct the Grand Jurors regarding the law of the cases that are presented for the Grand Jury’s consideration.