Frequently Asked Questions

The United States Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to trial by an impartial jury. Justice ultimately depends to a large measure upon the quality of the jurors who serve in our courts. That is why you are important.

As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system.

To view a list of requirements, visit the

Potential jurors are selected randomly from the State of Michigan driver's license list and personal identification cardholder list for individuals residing in Antrim, Grand Traverse or Leelanau Counties. The selection method is designed to produce a cross section of the community. Men and women over 18 years of age and from all walks of life have an equal opportunity to be called for jury service.

The summons/order to appear for jury service is mailed to jurors approximately 2 weeks before they are to appear for jury selection.

Yes. The summons to appear for jury service is an official court order. If you do not respond, you could be held in contempt of court.

If you no longer live in the county in which you are being summoned, you must submit proof to the court of your change of address, i.e. a copy of the front and back of your driver's license or state identification card.

Under normal circumstances, your term for service is the day of jury selection and any days you have been chosen to sit as a juror, normally up to a maximum of 3 trials. However, you should be prepared for additional days of service if needed.

Jurors may be allowed a postponement of their jury service for good cause. To request a postponement, you must submit a written request to the court stating the specific reasons for your request. You will be contacted as soon as a decision is made.

Your employer can't fire, demote, or otherwise penalize you for missing work while performing jury service. Many employers will continue to pay your salary while you are in jury service. Contact your employer to find out what the policy is at your place of employment.

In order to be excused for medical reasons you must submit a letter from your doctor stating why you are unable to serve, for what period of time you are unable to serve or stating that you should be fully exempt from service.

Jurors must report to the 86th District Courthouse in the county in which they have been summoned. In Grand Traverse County, jurors should report directly to the courtroom indicated on the summons. In Antrim and Leelanau Counties, jurors should report to the court clerk before entering the courtroom.

The average trial lasts approximately 0.5 days; however, some cases may be scheduled for 1 full day.

On the 1st day of your jury service you should report to the court at the time specified in the summons. At that time, you will be told the procedure for reporting for the rest of the term.

If seated on a jury, you will receive instructions from the judge who will be hearing the case as to the date and time of the trial and you will be given a reminder slip.

Yes. The parties in a case generally seek to settle their differences and avoid the time and expense of a trial. So even though several cases are scheduled for jury selection, the court doesn't know until that morning how many will actually go to trial. Your time spent waiting is not wasted - your very presence in the courthouse encourages settlement.

In accordance with state law, jurors selected to report will receive $25 for the 1st day ($12.50 for the 1st half day) and $40 ($20 for each half day) for each subsequent day of actual service plus $0.25 per mile in travel expenses. Reimbursement checks are usually issued within 2 weeks of the last trial date scheduled for that jury panel.

Proof of jury service is prepared upon request. If required by your employer, you will be given the opportunity to make your request for an attendance statement at the end of jury selection and at the end of each trial you serve on.

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The court will provide verbal orientation to inform and educate you about jury service and the trial process. You will also learn about your role as a juror and what you should and should not do while in the courthouse and serving on a jury.

It is very important that all jurors report each day they are told to report and that they be on time; your absence may delay a trial. If you have an emergency (such as a sudden illness or a death in the family), call the court immediately.