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1. How are jurors selected in Dearborn Heights?

Potential jurors are randomly selected from a computer-generated list of eligible residents provided to the Court by the Wayne County Jury Commission.

2. Who is eligible for jury duty?

Dearborn Heights residents who are over the age of 18, a U.S. citizen and able to communicate in the English language.

3. Who is not eligible to serve as a juror?

Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen.

Anyone who is not a resident of Dearborn Heights.

Anyone who has been convicted of a felony (proof required).  A request to be excused from service is decided by the judge, in the courtroom on the day of jury service; you must still appear.

Anyone who has served as a juror in a court of record during the proceeding 12 months (proof required).

4. Who may request to be postponed or excused?

Persons over 70 years of age may claim exemption from jury service and will be excused upon making the request.

A resident may request postponement or excusal from jury service based upon a medical condition that prohibits serving.  Written documentation from their doctor must be provided, explaining the condition and whether it is temporary or permanent, and why the condition prohibits the jury service.

It is presumed that a naturalized U.S. citizen is able to communicate in English as this is a condition for becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.  A request to be excused from service for inability to communicate in English is decided by the judge in the courtroom on the day of jury service; you must still appear.

If you are no longer a resident of Dearborn Heights, you may be excused, a valid driver's license with change of address must be produced.

5. What reasons do not work?

Vacations, work  and child care issues are generally unacceptable reasons for not performing  jury service. Reasonable efforts to accommodate residents who have timely and valid family, employment or vacation conflicts will be made by the jury clerk  by re-scheduling them for future service.

6. What happens to those who do not show up?

Potential jurors who fail  to appear when summoned to jury service may be held in contempt of court.

7. Will reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act be made for prospective jurors requiring them?

Yes. A prospective juror requiring such accommodation should contact the jury clerk as soon as possible to discuss the accommodation sought.

8. Are jurors paid?

State courts, like the 20th District Court, pay those called for jury selection and  actual jury service $12.50 for a half-day session and $25.00 for a full day, plus mileage.