Jury Service – Important Reminders
Be on time and dressed appropriately for court. The trial cannot proceed until all jurors are present.
Do not bring in knives/scissors/fingernail clippers (Sharp objects). Also, no purses, bags, or other containers are permitted in the buildings. You will either have to return these items to your car, or they will be thrown away by the security guard.
Have cell phones turned off.
Once selected as a juror and placed in the jury box, please remember to sit in the same assigned seat. This allows the Clerk, Judge, and lawyers to identify you more easily.
Simply let the Judge know if you need a break. Generally, the Judges make sure an adequate amount of breaks are given.
Listen carefully. It is important that you hear every question asked and every answer given since your verdict will be based on the evidence given. If you do not understand any portion of the trial, you should ask the Judge to explain.
Do not talk about the case. You should not talk with anyone about the case. This includes the Clerk, lawyers, Judge, bailiff, and other jurors, unless you have retired to the jury room for deliberations.
If anyone tries to talk to you about the case or attempts to influence you as a juror, you should report it to the Judge immediately.
To contact the Circuit Clerk regarding your jury service, please call (479) 271-1015 or email at jury@bentoncountyar.gov.
