Oakland County courts will introduce a new jury management system on Aug. 3. According to the Oakland Press, the new system replaces a largely paper-based process with a “secure, digital platform” to improve communication and streamline jury administration, officials said.
Potential jurors will receive summonses as postcards rather than the traditional legal-sized paper summons, sent via U.S. mail. The postcards won’t contain any confidential or personal information, but will contain instructions to access the Jury Management System, where summons information can be reviewed and required steps can be completed online.
Summoned jurors can use the system to do the following:
Respond to their jury summons online using a smartphone, tablet, or computerSecurely upload supporting documentation directly from their mobile deviceReceive important communications through email and text messageAccess an automated phone system for jury information and assistanceUtilize convenient self-service features that allow them to manage their jury service when it best fits their schedule and lifestyle
“Jury service is one of the most important ways citizens participate in our justice system. By implementing this new Jury Management System, we are modernizing the way we communicate with jurors and making the process more accessible, convenient, and responsive to the needs of today’s community,” Chief Judge Jeffery Matis stated. He also said that the new system creates a safe, easy experience, helping to keep the jury process fair.
County leaders described the new system as a protected web-based system to improve communication and simplify management tasks. The change seeks to make jury duty easier and more efficient.
People who receive postcard summonses should read the instructions carefully and follow the steps for responding through the new system. For more information, visit the Oakland County Jurors website page.