As
a juror you are being asked to perform one of the highest duties
that is imposed on any citizen. That responsibility is to sit
in judgment on the facts which will resolve civil disputes
or determine guilt or innocence of persons charged with a crime.
As jurors your function is to listen to the evidence produced
during the trial and decide the case on its merit, as opposed
to deciding it on sympathy or prejudice.
Your service will delegate to you certain powers of decision
on human affairs which are not given to every citizen. It will
place upon you important duties and grave responsibilities
which will take your best talents of appraisal and judgment.
Your duty requires that you be prompt, attentive, faithful
to oath, considerate and tolerant of your fellow jurors, and
sound and deliberate in your evaluations.
The Jury Clerk is available to hear and discuss any condition
which makes your attendance impossible or impractical. Every
effort will be made to see that your time is not wasted and
every consideration will be given to avoid your discomfort,
inconvenience, distress or embarrassment.
You
should also understand that although most lawyers, prosecutors
and judges are friendly people,
you may not have any private
contact or conversation with them during the course of the
trial. Similarly, if you are selected for a trial, you are
not to discuss the case with other jurors, family, friends,
or anyone, prior to deliberation. This should not be regarded
as aloofness but as a wise precaution against improper influence.
It is the Court’s hope that these few introductory
remarks will serve to make you feel at ease. We trust that
you are
sufficiently impressed with the importance of jury duty and
that you will do your utmost to promote justice.
How
You are Selected for Jury Duty
Selection
of prospective jurors is randomly made by computer from St.
Joseph County residents who have a valid Michigan driver’s
license or State I.D. card.
For further information you can
contact the Clerk’s General Division at (269)-467-5602
