Q: Why is jury duty considered a civic duty?
A: The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to a trial by jury. To have a jury though requires jurors, who are selected from their respective counties for the most part. In other words, St. Johns County citizens for St. Johns County cases. The justice system cannot fully operate without jurors so, like paying taxes, citizens can be compelled to act to complete their civic duty to the country and county.
Q: What is the role of the clerk’s office in jury management?
A: Our office manages the summoning and organizing of prospective jurors reporting for jury duty. Each month, we issue more than 500 jury summonses to residents using information provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Upon receiving the notice, those being summoned are welcome to check in online and submit any excusal or deferral requests. The process essentially starts with a larger pool before whittling down to a panel consisting of potentially six to 12 selected jurors. After a circuit or county judge qualifies 50 – 100 prospective jurors, they are sent to the courtroom for voir dire, which is questioning by the judge and lawyers. Throughout this, our office works hard to ensure the process is efficient, effective, and not unduly burdensome.
Q: What message would you like to convey to residents summoned?
A: I would like to encourage residents to view it as an opportunity to serve their community and fellow citizens. When serving on a jury, you are effectively the judicial branch of government, deciding the facts of a case brought forth by the state or a fellow citizen. It’s a big deal and a vitally important component of the American way of life.
Q: What is the best way for residents to contact you?
A: Residents can call my office at (904) 819-3601 or my cell at (904) 599-8688. My email address is BPatty@stjohnsclerk.com. Most questions can be answered by visiting our website, www.stjohnsclerk.com, which is most commonly used to pay traffic citations or search court records.
