Judicial Operations
Jury Commission
The Jury Commission supports the court system by determining anticipated juror needs and summoning Lake County residents in sufficient quantities, ensuring that jurors are available when needed. The term of service for jurors in Lake County is one week, however a call-in system is used to minimize the number of days jurors are actually required to report to the court complex. The Jury Commission maintains close communication with courtroom personnel to determine the daily need for jurors.
The Jury Commission assists summoned individuals by responding to requests and inquiries prior to, during, and after their jury service. Additionally, the Commission reviews all requests to be disqualified, excused, or deferred, to an alternate summons date. All requests are reviewed individually. Final decisions are based on very specific criteria and documentation requirements.
Once individuals report for service, they are provided with an orientation regarding what to expect during their term of service. The Jury Assembly Room is a spacious room with a number of amenities intended to make jury service comfortable and convenient. Examples include a vending canteen, computers and Wi-Fi access, reading materials, games, and lockers. The Jury Commission strives to make jurors’ experience with the court both positive and enlightening.
During 2008:
- 8,392 Lake County residents completed jury service.
- 2,915 of those were selected as trial jurors.
- There were 255 jury trials.
- 179 of those were criminal trials, while 76 were civil trials.
- The average trial length was 2.4 days.
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