Press Releases | UCS Jury Pool News | Juror Appreciation Week

SUMMARY OF VIDEO:
Guidelines for Jury Duty has Changed
Originally broadcast on December 10, 2003, News10Now.

Not many people at the 8:30 a.m. juror check-in line are happy to be there, but most people make the best of it.

With changes made to the jury system over the last several years only 18% of people called for jury duty actually serve. That means 82% never even see a judge. Sid Oglesby, Commissioner of Juror for Onondaga County, says they are trying not to bring in panels of jurors larger than the courts actually or are fairly confident they are going to use. So the court system basically saves the jurors, because according to the laws, you either use them or lose them.

How your name is pulled for jury duty.
• Are you registered to vote
• Do you pay taxes in Onondaga County
• Have a drivers licence or registered car
• Receiving welfare or unemployment benefits
• Is your name on utility bill

One Day, One Trial is an updated approach to jury selection. If you are not selected by the end of the day for a trial, then you will have met your jury obligation and won’t be called again for at least six years.

Not even the old exemptions like being a doctor or lawyer will get you out of jury service. Trying to skip out on jury duty can cost you big bucks. First offense under the civil contempt can be up to $250 plus you still must serve. If you still don’t respond, you go in to a criminal contempt and that can be up to $1000 and 30 days in jail.

Guidelines for Jury Duty Have Changed
Video Playtime 3:05, Size 37.7MB

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