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The American justice system hinges on the jury system. The Constitution guarantees: “the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury.” That’s why jury service is so important and that’s why the Eighth Judicial District Court and Nevada Supreme Court are surprising potential jurors with a jury appreciation day on September 13 at 8 a.m. in the Jury Services Lounge of the Regional Justice Center at 200 Lewis Ave. Those responding to the call for jury duty will be surprised with fresh coffee and pastries compliments of the District Court judges. Jury services employees will reveal the top 10 misconceptions about jury service and offer the important truth.
Jury services is widely recognized as essential pillar of our justice system and those who serve their civic duty are highly regarded and appreciated by the court. District Court has upgraded and streamlined Jury Services to improve efficiency and save time for all involved in the jury selection process, most notably attorneys and reporting jurors. “The American Justice system cannot work without jurors. I encourage anyone who receives a jury summons to respond and play their important role in our justice system.” said District Court Chief Judge David Barker. “Most who serve on juries find it to be rewarding, and enlightening. As a judge, I realize how essential jurors are and I deeply value and commend those who take their responsibility to serve on a jury seriously.”
A series of upgrades initiated by past Chief Judge Jennifer Togliatti began several years ago and is ongoing. Some of the most recent improvements include the ability for summoned jurors to access jury qualification questionnaires in a variety of ways: kiosks, improved wi-fi for personal electronic devices, and court-provided tablets. The Jury Services webpage (http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/ejdc/juror-information/index.html#Frequently Asked Questions) has been upgraded to help jurors navigate through the reporting process by, among other things, offering jury qualification questionnaires online to improve pre-qualification rates. Potential jurors can complete their qualification questionnaires and upload/attach documentation right onto their record. Potential jurors can also update their addresses and find information on what to expect, FAQs, directions to courthouse/parking, and the orientation video. Potential jurors/jurors are also able to select their preferred method of contact including: email, text, phone, or mail. Reminder calls can be made to jurors 10 days in advance and the night prior to reporting.
“Jury service is vital for our justice system,” said Nevada Supreme Court Justice Mark Gibbons. “Those who receive a jury summons should be sure to respond. It’s an honor to serve this civic duty and be part of what makes this county exceptional. I served on a jury and it was a great experience,”
Other upgrades include two touch–screen kiosks for expedited check-in. Kiosks offer the capability to complete qualification questionnaires in the Jury Services room and the ability to print attendance letters and checks. Court plans include the addition of 10 kiosks with bar code scanning capability. Jurors are no longer paid with a voucher system. Instead, checks are now issued immediately upon completion of service and are available through various ways; checks can be picked-up by the jurors upon notification by departments, or the departments can collect the checks and hand them out in the courtroom. Jurors can also request a link to an exit survey to be e-mailed to them for online completion through the eJuror web-page. The surveys are intended to gather better feedback and input on opportunities for improvement.
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