Juror Information

( For The Most Updated Trial Status Click Here ) Or call (740) 900-0950, option 2

Jury Service: Frequently Asked Questions:

1.    How was I selected?
In Licking County, jurors are randomly selected from a list of registered voters provided by the Board of Elections.

2.    What is the difference between a petit jury and a grand jury?
A petit jury is also called a trial jury.  This is a group of people selected by the judge and attorneys who determine any question of law or issue of fact in a civil case, or if a defendant is guilty or not guilty in a criminal case, according to the law and the evidence introduced during the trial.  A grand jury is a group of people selected to hear evidence presented about criminal offenses (typically by the state only) and determine if there is enough evidence to formally charge (or indict) a person. 

3.    How long will I have to serve?
Petit jury service in the Licking County Common Pleas Court is normally for 5 days.  However, if you are seated as a juror, you will be required to continue to report until the trial is concluded.  Grand jury service is for 3 months, with the grand jurors typically meeting once a week to hear new cases.

4.    Where do I report for jury duty?
The Common Pleas Court General Division is located in the main courthouse on the square in downtown Newark, located across from the Licking County Administration Building (20 S. Second Street).  Please note, the only entrance to the courthouse is located on the ground floor of the Southeast side (facing Wendy’s).

5.    Where should I park?
If you are required to report for jury duty, free parking is available in the county parking garage located at 53 S. Second Street, Newark, OH 43055.  There is also free parking on the streets surrounding the courthouse.  If you choose to park on the street, please make sure that you display your juror parking pass (which will be included in your confirmation packet) and that you are not in a private parking lot (behind a business or office building).

6.    What time will I arrive and leave?
The normal business hours for the court are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.  You may be required to report at a different time; the automated phone system (option 2, and then option 2 again for status) or the online juror access will advise you of the specific time to report, if your services are required.   If you are seated for a trial, you may serve later than 4:30 pm.  Each judge will set the actual time when trials will start and end in their courtrooms each day.

7.    What should I wear?
Business/casual attire is acceptable.  Temperatures can vary in the courtrooms, so you may wish to bring a sweater or jacket.  No hats are permitted in the courtroom during any proceedings.

8.    Will I have to go through any security measures when I enter the courthouse?
Yes. All persons entering the courthouse are subject to a security search and will be required to pass through an “airport style” metal detector.  Bags, cases, etc. will be x-rayed and/or searched.  Please remember that electronic devices, (such as cameras, cell phones, radios, recorders, etc.,), firearms, mace, pocket knives and other potential weapons are not permitted in the courthouse.  There are lockboxes available at the checkpoint to store your cell phone.

9.    If there is an emergency at home, how will my family reach me?
In the case of an emergency, your family can call the Clerk’s office at (740) 670-5791.

10.    Do you provide childcare while serving as a juror?
Childcare is not provided at the Licking County Courthouse.  Please do not bring children with you.  Jurors are expected to arrange for childcare during their term of jury service.

11.    What should I expect if I have to report for jury service?
You should plan on spending most of your stay in the courtroom.  You may bring reading material or other appropriate items to occupy your time when you are not in trial,  but please remember that electronic devices are not permitted in the Courthouse.  Jurors will report to the 2nd floor of the courthouse after passing through security and will check in with the jury clerk in the foyer.  Jurors will then be instructed which jury room to assemble in and will view an orientation video that explains the jury selection process.  The judge’s bailiff will then call the prospective jurors into the courtroom where the voir dire (jury selection) process begins.  Voir dire is a question and answer session in which the judge and attorneys ask questions of the prospective jurors (in order to determine who is qualified and unbiased to be on a particular jury).  Any conflicts that you may have will be addressed during this time.  Through this process, a jury will be selected and sworn in for trial.  Remaining jurors are excused at that time and may obtain a jury verification form from the Clerk’s office to give to their employer.

12.    Will I be allowed to take notes or ask questions if I am seated as a juror?
It is up to each individual judge to make the decision whether to allow note taking or questions from the jury.  You will be given instructions regarding your responsibilities from the judge and/or bailiff after the jury is selected.

13.    Can I get something to eat or drink at the courthouse?
There is an area with vending machines, but no snack bar or cafeteria.  Coffee is available in the jury room, and you are welcome to bring water, soft drinks, snacks, etc. while you wait there to be called to the courtroom.  There are restaurants within easy walking distance of the courthouse, and you will be given frequent breaks throughout the day, as well as a lunch break.

14.    How much will I be paid?
Jurors are paid at the rate of $25 per day.  Payment is made by check, 1 to 2 weeks after the completion of jury service.  The check will be mailed to the address on file by the Licking County Auditor’s office.

15.    How will I be advised if the court is closed due to a weather emergency?
Announcements of closings of government offices, including the courthouse, are made over the radio, and could also be found on https://lickingcounty.gov.

16.    What if I have an emergency on the day that I am to report?
If there is a sudden illness or emergency which will prevent you from appearing on your service date, please call the Clerk of Courts office at (740) 670-5796 after 8 am.

17.    What if I no longer live in Licking County?
You may report this information when completing your questionnaire via the online juror portal, or by pressing option 2 and then option 3, or by calling the Clerk of Courts office at (740) 670-5796.  You may also want to notify the Licking County Board of Elections that you no longer reside in Licking County.

18.    Who is exempt or disqualified from jury duty?
Under Ohio Law, only cloistered members of religious organizations and persons over 75 years of age who do not wish to serve are exempt from jury service.  Persons who are no longer residents of Licking County and persons who have been convicted of a felony, and whose rights have not been restored pursuant to ORC 2961.01, are disqualified.  Jurors who have served on a jury within the previous year in Licking County may also be exempt.  If any of these exceptions apply, it is still necessary to fill complete the Juror Questionnaire and submit it to the Clerk of Courts office.

19.    What if I need to request that my jury service be rescheduled (due to a previously planned vacation, birth of a child, scheduled surgery, etc.)?
A temporary deferral of jury duty can be granted under certain circumstances.  You must submit all requests for the court to review, either via the Online Juror Portal or through the automated phone system (option 2, then option 5).  If granted, you will receive notification from the Judge’s office confirming the new date for your service.

20.    May I ask to be excused for medical reasons or some other hardship?
Yes, but only those persons for whom jury service would be an extreme hardship may be excused.  Inconvenience is not typically a sufficient reason to be excused from jury duty.  All requests must be submitted for the court to review, either via the Online Juror Portal or through the automated phone system (option 2, then option 4).  You will receive notification from the Judge’s office letting you know that you have OR HAVE NOT been excused.

21.    What happens if a person fails to report for jury duty?
State law provides that such conduct is contempt of court.  Following a show cause hearing, the court may impose a fine, order imprisonment, or both pursuant to ORC 2313.99(B).