Jury Commissioner Office

Room 455

1000 Main Street

Cincinnati, OH  45202

(513)946-5879

     The performance of jury service is the fulfillment of a civil and moral obligation.  Conscientious service brings its own reward in the satisfaction of an important task well done.  There is no more valuable work that a citizen can perform in support of the judicial system of our government than the full and honest discharge of jury duty.

     The purpose of this page is to familiarize you with some of the facets of jury service and it should not be used in your jury room deliberations.  It is not intended to advise you about the law.  This is the judge's responsibility and the law can be different in each case.  

CALL-IN SYSTEM:

946-JURY - 946-5879

(513)946-JURY or (513) 946-5879

     Jurors are rotated by group numbers.  An example of the recording might say, "All who are in a group number 71, 72, 73,...etc.  will report to the Jury Commission Office on Tuesday, January 7, by 8:45 a.m.  All other jurors will not report in but call this number anytime after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thank you."

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

     You may be called to serve if you are at least 18 years old, a United States citizen and a resident of Hamilton County.  In addition, you must have a reasonable knowledge of English and be physically and mentally capable of serving.

How did my name get selected for jury duty?

     Jurors' names are selected at random by a computer from a list of registered voters provided by the Board of Elections.

How long will I be required to serve?

     Normal length of service is for  two weeks.  However, if you are not serving on a jury in progress, you will call a recording each night for reporting instructions for the next day.  If your services are not required, it is recommended that you report to work.

Do I get paid for jury duty?

     You will receive a fee of $19.00 for each day that you are required to attend.  Work statements for your company indicating the days that you served as a juror and the amount paid will be furnished upon request.

What should I wear for jury duty?

     Wear comfortable clothing that enhances the dignity of the Court and emphasizes the seriousness of your responsibility.  Shorts, hats, tank tops, tee-shirts, sweatsuits, or other such informal attire is not considered appropriate in the courtroom.

What hours will I serve?

     Normal business hours at the Courthouse are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  On days that you report for jury service, you can expect to be there during its normal hours.  If not selected for a jury, you may be able to leave early.  Jurors will be given a lunch break and may be given other breaks during a trial.  On occasion, a trial will continue beyond the normal working hours.  If this happens, you may need to arrange your schedule to allow you to stay longer.

Is it possible that I might report for jury service but not sit on a jury?

     Yes, The parties involved in a case generally seek to settle their differences and avoid the expense and time of a trial.  Sometimes the case is settled just a few moments before the trial begins.  Though many trials are scheduled daily, the Court doesn't know until that morning how many will actually go to trial.  But your time spent waiting is not wasted.  Your presence encourages settlement.

Juror Conduct

• Be on time.  The trial cannot proceed until all jurors are present.

• Pay close attention to what is being said by everyone.

• Keep an open mind throughout the trial.

• Don't talk about the case with anyone while the trial is in progress, not even other jurors or family members.

• Don't try to discover evidence on your own.  Cases must be decided only on the basis of evidence admitted in Court.

• Listen carefully to the instructions before deliberations.

• It is your duty to accept what the Judge says about the laws to be applied to the case, whether you agree or disagree with the law.

KINDS OF CASES:

CIVIL AND CRIMINAL

     Usually a civil case is between two or more persons, companies, or corporations who have a dispute concerning money or property.

     The party suing for money or for return of property or settlement of a property dispute is called the plaintiff.

     The party sued or against whom the action is brought is called the defendant.  The defendant denies that he/she owes the money or defends his/her right to ownership or use of the disputed property.

     In civil cases there are eight jurors and three-fourths (six) of the jurors must agree to arrive at a verdict.

CRIMINAL

     This action is in the name of the State of Ohio as plaintiff against a person charged with a crime.  who is called the defendant.

     A crime is a violation of a law enacted by the Legislature to protect our basic rights. A crime is an act against the State of Ohio in whose name serious crimes are prosecuted.

     Ohio has enacted and uses a criminal code which defines these violations and which provides punishments for the guilty.  Thus, the crime is not against an individual but against the State and society as a whole.  The State is charged with the responsibility of prosecuting or legally enforcing the laws of the people.

     In a criminal case, your duty is to decide if an accused person is guilty or not guilty of the charge.  In criminal cases there are twelve jurors and the verdict must be unanimous.