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1. Why is jury service important?

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 and that's why you are important.

2. What is my duty as a Juror?

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.

3. How was I selected?

You were selected at random from a list of driver registrations who live in the City of St. Clair Shores.

4. Am I eligible to be a juror?

Jurors must: 

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a resident of the City of St. Clair Shores
• Be 18 years or older (those over the age of 70 may be exempt upon their request)
• Be able to speak and understand the English language
• Be physically and mentally able to carry out the duties of a juror
• Not have served as a juror in the past 12 months
• Not have been convicted of a felony

5. What are the different types of cases?

There are two basic types of cases; criminal and civil.

Criminal

A criminal case results when a person is accused of committing a crime. You, as a juror, must decide whether the person charged is guilty or not guilty. The accused person is presumed innocent, and the city or state, represented by a prosecutor, must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The verdict must be 6-0 (unanimous).

Civil Cases

A civil case results from a disagreement or dispute between two or more parties. In a civil case, you, as a juror, must answer questions of disputed facts based upon the testimony and evidence admitted by the Judge. The answers to these questions are called the verdict. In civil cases, 5 out of 6 must agree on the verdict.

6. Will I be paid for being a juror?

Yes. The 40th District Court issues a re-loadable prepaid MasterCard for paying jurors. Jurors receive the card prior to leaving the court building, upon conclusions of their service. Funds are available immediately and may be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. (Please be sure to read the packet of information given with the card for details.)

Public Act 51 [MCL 600.1344] dictates that juror mileage reimbursement rate. 

Juror Compensation is as follows:

• For the first day or half day of actual attendance at the court, not less than $30 per day and $15 per half day.
• For each subsequent day or half day of actual attendance at the court, not less than $45 per day and $22.50 per day

7. Is my employer required to pay me while I am on jury duty? Can I be fired for missing work for jury duty?

Your employer is not required to pay you while on jury duty; however, employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee for serving on a jury nor can your job be affected by serving on a jury.