Somerset County Circuit Court Uses Technology to Manage Jury Process and
Improve Access and Convenience for Jurors
(PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — Oct. 1, 2010) Jurors reporting to the courthouse today will notice an expedited check-in process and immediate cash payment for their service. The Circuit Court for Somerset 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.
Somerset 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.
“We are pleased to make use of this technology to benefit Somerset’s jurors,” said County Administrative Judge Daniel M. Long. “Jurors play an important role in our system of justice and we appreciate their service.”
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 voucher payments once a month to cash payment each day of jury service,” said Clerk of Court I. Theodore Phoebus.
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 Somerset County, visit the Somerset County Circuit Court jury information website, http://www.mdcourts.gov/clerks/somerset/juryinfo.html.
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