Josephine County Circuit Court has announced it is mailing out jury summons in a new format. The local court has streamlined the jury process and will now send postcards out to prospective jurors.
The postcard will provide instructions for accessing online information and resources. The goal is to make jury service response and communication easier, faster and more convenient. They will replace the paper brochures sent out in envelopes.
The postcards will include the essential information jurors need to know to respond for service and communicate with the court. They direct potential jurors to a new online portal called "Juror eResponse" where the prospective juror can complete the response form, opt in for text or e-mail notifications, get reporting instructions, and request a deferral or to be excused.
Prospective jurors who do not have internet access can complete a questionnaire at the Josephine County Courthouse when they report for jury service by using a court kiosk.
This new approach provides more flexibility to update information online, gives potential jurors more options for methods of contact and -- for those potential jurors who opt in to the text notification service -- get early notification if orientation or jury trials are cancelled. It also saves money on printing and postage.
The Juror eResponse portal is part of the Oregon Judicial Department's efforts to take advantage of technology to improve and expand court communication, accessibility and engagement in innovative ways. The two systems will overlap until May 2024 when the new format replaces the old one.
