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Kent County Courthouse
Suite 1100
180 Ottawa NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Jury Information Line: 616-632-6533
Jury Office Fax: (616) 632-5064
Jury
Duty Lookup
Selection and Qualification
Why is jury service important?
Because the right to a jury trial by a jury of one’s peers is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Michigan Constitution. Jury service is one of the most important duties that members of a free society are called upon to perform.
Why are so many people needed for jury service?
Jurors are an important part of the judicial system as they represent the conscience, standards, and values of this community. When you serve as a juror, you become the voice of your relatives, friends, and neighbors. That is why jury service is crucial to our system of justice.
How was my name selected for jury service?
Your name was selected at random from a list of those who have a Michigan Driver’s License or State of Michigan I.D.
What are the qualifications for jury service?
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be able to speak and understand English
- Be a resident of Kent County
- Have not been paid as a juror in the past 12 months
- Have not been convicted of a felony
What should I do if I am not qualified to serve?
Fill out the questionnaire you received by mail and return it or you may fill out the on-line questionnaire and submit it. The jury staff will determine if you are qualified or not. If you are not qualified you will receive notification of the disqualification.
Who can be excused from Jury Service?
- Those who are 70 years of age or older and do not want to serve. You may claim this excusal on your questionnaire by checking the box that you are over 70 and do not wish to serve.
- Generally speaking, other requests for excusals are not considered, except those who have their doctor fax a letter requesting an excusal for health-related reasons. Requests for excusal should specify whether the health-related reasons are short-term or lifelong disabilities. These requests can be attached to your questionnaire or faxed to 616-632-5064.
- Full-time, year round students must submit a copy of the class schedule that indicates that they are in class during the day. Full-time students who do not attend classes in the summer will be deferred (postponed) to a summer term.
I will be out of town when I have to report for jury service. What should I do?
You are still required to complete the questionnaire. Requests for postponements can be made through e-Juror or by contacting the Jury Clerk at 616-632-5081 or 616-632-5062.
Getting Ready for Jury Service
I have my date and time, what happens next?
The jury office will send you a “responded letter” two weeks before your assigned date and time. Follow the instructions on the letter and if you have any questions, please contact the jury office.
What happens if I don’t show for jury service?
A failure to appear letter will be sent to you. If you do not respond and do not follow through with reporting, you will be sent an Order to Show Cause. This form will order you to report before a Circuit Court Judge to show cause why you should not be held in contempt of court for failing to appear for jury service. If you fail to appear for the Show Cause hearing, a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest and you can be fined or sent to jail.
I have other obligations. Do I really have to do this?
- ABSOLUTELY! We could tell you all the reasons given in government or civics classes, but most of you have already heard them. We could tell you how serving on a jury is an interesting and rewarding experience, but you’ll find that out for yourself. We could talk about service to your community, being part of the justice system, the need for citizen participation, group decision-making, and all the other reasons why you should serve. Ultimately, you have to serve because the law requires it.
- The law says that the names of people who drive a car, or who have a State of Michigan I.D. go into the system, so your name was included.
- The law says names are randomly selected from this system to receive a summons, and your name was selected.
- The law specifies who is qualified to serve and who can be exempted or excused, and unless you were excused under these specifications, you were assigned a date and time for jury service.
- Finally, the law says that failure to report for jury service carries a monetary fine and in some instances, the judge can hold you in contempt of court and order jail confinement.
- We recognize the impact a jury summons has on your life, and we do all that we can to ensure your jury service is as easy and convenient as possible. But we can’t make it go away.
How long will jury service take?
In Kent County, you are only summonsed for jury service for one week. If you are selected to serve on a jury, your service may last longer than a week.
How do I get to the courthouse and what about parking?
Two weeks before your service is to begin, you will receive a responded letter, brochure and map which includes directions to the parking lot for designated jurors.
Is there special security at the courthouse?
Everyone who enters the Kent County Courthouse is required to pass through a weapons screening process conducted by the Sheriff’s Department. Please do not bring into the courthouse any objects that could be used as a weapon.
During the Trial
What kind of trial will I sit on?
If you are selected as a juror you could sit on a criminal, civil, probate or family court delinquency or child protective trial.
How are jurors selected?
The process of selecting a jury is called Voir Dire and is essentially done by the attorneys on the case under the presiding judge. Juries are comprised of 6 to 12 jurors, depending on the type of case being tried. If you are not selected, you are usually released from further jury service; however, there are times when jurors not selected for one trial are sent to a second trial for jury selection.
What exactly is Voir Dire?
It is a way for the parties to select a fair and impartial jury. You may be questioned by each of the lawyers before they decide to remove a certain number of jurors. Questions are not intended to embarrass you, but rather to help the lawyers in the jury selection process.
What does a juror actually do? Do I have to follow any special rules?
During the trial, you should follow the judge’s instructions as to your conduct and listen to the evidence. Expect to spend some time in the jury room away from the courtroom as the judge and lawyers discuss matters outside the jury’s presence. At some point, you will gather in the jury room and deliberate to reach a verdict. The judge will give you written instructions on how to deliberate. The judge will instruct all jurors about any special rules that need to be followed.
After the Trial
Can I be summonsed for jury service again?
Yes. The summonsing process is random and your name could be selected again. If you were compensated for jury service and you receive another jury summons within 12 months, you may contact the jury office to request an excusal.
How much are jurors paid?
For the first day of service, jurors are paid $17.50 for a half day (prior to noon) and $35.00 for a full day. Subsequent days of service will pay $20.00 for a half day and $40.00 for a full day.
Mileage is paid at 20 cents per mile round trip.
Must my employer pay me while I am on jury service?
Your employer is not required to pay you while on jury service. However, employers are prohibited by law from firing, disciplining, or threatening an employee for serving as a juror.
My employer wants to know the days and times that I serve. How will I obtain this information?
Some companies require "proof" of your jury service. You may obtain this information from our website by visiting e-Juror. After logging in, the "attendance letter" button will appear. This is a printable letter and can only be printed after your service is complete. Upon request, the jury office will prepare this information at the conclusion of your service and send it to your home.
Use of Laptops and cellular phones will be permitted in the jury assembly area. They will need to be turned off upon entering any courtroom. The jury assembly area is equipped with wireless internet (Wi-Fi). Please see the jury clerk for details. You will be responsible for your own personal property.
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