The Jury Process

Juror Check-In and Orientation

When jurors initially report to the courthouse for jury service, they check in with the Jury Office and go through an orientation process. Orientation generally includes opening remarks by a member of the Court's staff covering logistical matters, a juror orientation video, and a greeting and review of the statutory qualifications to serve as a juror by one of the Court's judges.

One-Day / One-Trial System

The 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri uses a one-day / one-trial system. Under this system, jurors are summoned for a specific day rather than being subject to call for jury service during a longer term. To minimize disruption to jurors' normal lives, the Court summons jurors for a date certain and instructs them to call or check the Court's website the night before their service to confirm there has been no change to their reporting instructions.

Sometimes the Court cancels all or part of the jurors it has summoned; jurors can determine this by following the call-in instructions. When jurors are required to report, they generally go through only one jury selection process. If selected, they serve for the duration of that particular trial. If not selected, their service is often complete at the end of the selection process — frequently completed on the first day a juror reports.