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On Monday, September 28, Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess reminded residents that limited jury service is set to resume in Harris County and that they are still required to respond to the jury summons. The press release was no doubt prompted by the September 18 order from the Supreme Court of Texas postponing the start of in-person jury proceedings in justice and municipal courts until December 1. Burgess emphasized that although jury service was suspended for the Houston Municipal Courts, Harris County District and County Courts are set to move ahead, especially in light of the over 90 requests for jury panels in the month of October alone.
Because the facilities at Jury Assembly are still under construction after being damaged by Hurricane Harvey and because the temporary facilities in the Harris County Administration Building were too cramped to adequately allow for social distancing and proper safety measures, the County has made arrangements to hold jury selection at NRG Arena. In anticipation of the resumption of jury service, the District Courts of Harris County and the Harris County District Clerk have recently revised their websites to offer prospective jurors more information about jury service, especially in the age of COVID-19, stressing not only the importance of juries in our democratic society but also the efforts being made to ensure a safe environment for jurors, attorneys, judges, and litigants. On their website, the Harris County District Courts outline the safety protocols that have been implemented at NRG Arena as well as the downtown courthouses. There are detailed instructions explaining what jurors should expect upon their arrival at NRG and upon entering three key areas: the arena itself, the jury seating room, and the voir dire room. For those selected to serve on a jury, there are descriptions of the safety measures and protocols that they will encounter upon entering the downtown courthouse and their assigned location. In addition to safety measures, the District Court website has specific information depending upon whether you are a juror, a lawyer, or a self-represented litigant. Jurors can find general juror information, such as qualifications and exemptions, and information about what to do, what to bring, and what to wear. Lawyers can find answers to questions about safety, pretrial matters, jury call/voir dire, and trial and courtroom questions. Individuals representing themselves have access to self-represented litigant guides, legal aid organizations, and answers to some frequently asked questions regarding face coverings and Zoom hearings. It is also recommended that self-represented litigants view the information for lawyers.
Jury service in Harris County requires pre-registration. People receiving a jury summons are directed to visit the website of the Harris County District Clerk to begin the process and to receive their juror assignments. To address concerns that prospective jurors may have about serving on a jury in the age of COVID-19, the District Clerk’s Office has prepared a video about jury service at NRG, found under the COVID Precautions tab, explaining what jurors can expect at NRG and the safety protocols that have been implemented. Answers to questions about jury service, in general, including eligibility requirements and statutory exemptions, can be found on the About Jury page. Additional information about jury service, such as what jurors should wear and bring and what they should do in the event of an emergency that prevents them from being able to appear for service, is available on the District Clerk’s website under the Getting Prepared tab. Lastly, the District Clerk has gathered a number of downloadable educational resources that can be used by prospective jurors, teachers, and corporate partners to more fully understand the jury process and to recognize the value of jury service to our community.