Jury Operating System

One-Day or One-Trial System

How It Works
Douglas County makes jury service as convenient as possible for all citizens. The Jury service concept used in Douglas County is a “One-Day or One-Trial” system.  Upon calling the designated phone number (444-7673) after 5 p.m., before the date on your summons, prospective jurors are notified whether service is required.

If the prospective juror is required to report, and not placed on a jury panel by the end of that business day, generally their service is complete. If the prospective juror is placed on a jury panel, the juror serves until excused by jury staff or the case is completed. 

What Will Happen

• You will call after 5:00 p.m. the day before your scheduled date to see if you need to report to the Jury Assembly Room, located on the 1st floor of the court house.
• If the recording says you do not need to come in, your service is concluded for a 12 month period.
• If you report for service, you will go through orientation which will take 30 minutes. You may then be required to report to a court room where a trial is scheduled. The jury selection process will take place in the court room. If you are not seated as a juror, generally your service will be completed.
• Finally, if you are selected, you will serve for the duration of the trial including any deliberation.  Most trials are completed within a few days to a week. The judge knows approximately how long the trial will take and he or she will give you an idea when your group is called for jury selection. Judges are aware that long trials can be difficult.
   

Benefits for Employees and Employers
The "One-Day or One-Trial" system takes the waiting out of jury duty. Before the system was enacted, prospective jurors had to report regardless of the trial schedule.  Under the new system, potential jurors need to report as needed.

The system also reduces unproductive down time and the potential for lost income for both the juror and the employer.