Dorchester County Circuit Court Uses Technology to Manage Jury Process
and Improve Access and Convenience for Jurors
(CAMBRIDGE, Md. — Oct. 1, 2010) The Circuit Court for Dorchester County has launched a new jury management system to improve services to citizens and increase jury management efficiency. With this new system, prospective jurors can complete the juror qualification form and receive a one-time deferral online.
Dorchester County’s system, funded through the Administrative Office of the Courts, is part of a statewide, multi-year effort to help 15 jurisdictions modernize their jury management systems.
“Our goal is to improve the efficiency of our operation as well as make the jury experience as convenient as possible,” said County Administrative Judge Brett W. Wilson. “Jurors may not realize their importance to our system of justice and we want to do all we can to show our appreciation.”
In the new “one-step” process, both the summons and questionnaire are mailed to the potential juror three to four weeks before the potential juror is needed for jury service. The potential juror may return the qualification portion of the form within 10 days by mail or complete it online, and report for jury service in accordance with the instructions on the summons.
The most noticeable benefit to jurors may be same-day cash payment. “This new jury management system made it easy to move from check payments at the end of the term to cash payment each day of jury service,” said Jury Commissioner Christine Durham.
Potential jurors can also call a voice message system to get instructions about when and if to report to the courthouse. The juror summons provides the information needed to access the call-in system.
For more information regarding jury service in Dorchester County, visit the Dorchester County Circuit Court jury information website, http://courtnet/circuit/dorchester/juryservice.html.
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