On behalf of the Morgan County Circuit Court, I would like to thank you for your willingness to serve as a juror. You are making it possible for our courts to provide each citizen with a trial by jury, a constitutional right that we would be unable to provide without your service.
We hope this website will help you understand the things that happen and the terms that are used during a trial and to let you know what is expected of you. It is hoped that this information will make you better able to do your part in administering justice.
In each case on which you act as a juror, the judge will give you instructions applicable to that case. The information on this website is not intended to take the place of and must not encroach on those instructions.
I want to assure you that my staff and I and everyone associated with the courts will do everything within our power to make your service as pleasant as possible. We hope your service is both rewarding and educational.
John Pat Orr, Circuit Clerk
8th Judicial Circuit
I’ve Been Summoned For Jury Service…
If I am unable to serve on jury duty, whom do I call? ? Jury service may be inconvenient, but no one is excused unless jury service would present an undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, or be required by public necessity. You may call the Clerk’s Office at 351-4790 between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at least one week prior to the date you are to report.
Where do I park? Parking is provided for you in the North Parking Lot. This is located due south of Cain Street. The Large South Parking Lot is located south of Lee Street and west of Second Avenue. There is parking in the Small South Parking Lot next to the Lee Street entrance of the courthouse. However, parking here is extremely limited, and available on a first come basis.
What time do I have to arrive at the Courthouse on Monday morning? You will need to arrive at the time indicated on your juror summons. The courthouse doors do not open until 7:30 a.m. You will be able to enter the courthouse through the south door (1st Floor) and north doors (2nd Floor). You will be required to go through a metal detector and your belongings may be searched.
Where do I report? You will need to report to the Jury Lounge on the 4th Floor. Please bring your jury summons with you with the approximate round-trip mileage from your home. You will be inprocessed and then directed to the Courtroom, where we will begin with an orientation and qualification process.
How long will I be required to serve? Jury service rarely exceeds five workdays. You will normally be required to report each morning at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is usually from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Lunchtimes may vary, so please do not leave until you have been instructed.
General Information…
Location of Offices---
Circuit Clerk’s Office- John Pat Orr, Circuit Clerk, 4th Floor
Jury Venire Room (Jury Lounge)- 4th Floor
Judge Glenn Thompson, Presiding Circuit Judge - 4th Floor, Courtroom No. 444
Judge Sherrie Brown, Circuit Judge – 3rd Floor, Courtroom No. 333
Judge Steven Haddock, Circuit Judge- 4th Floor, Courtroom No. 400
Concessions---There is a snack bar located on the 1st Floor, on the west side of the lobby. Also, there are snack machines in the Jury Lounge. You may purchase coffee, soft drinks, snacks, cold sandwiches, etc.
Restrooms---
Ladies Restrooms are located on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Floors.
Men’s Restrooms are located on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Floors.
Telephones---
Please feel free to use the telephone located in the Jury Lounge or on the counter in the Circuit Clerk’s Office. If they are busy, just ask any employee and they will allow you to use any other telephone in the office. There are also two pay telephones located on the 1st Floor of the courthouse.
Emergency Telephone Numbers—The telephone number where family or co-workers may reach you in an emergency: 351-4790
Smoking---Smoking is permitted outside the courthouse. Smoking is not permitted in any room in the courthouse.
Electronic Devices---Cell phones, pagers and laptops are permitted in the courthouse. You are required to turn them off when you go into a courtroom.
Waiting Times---Please feel free to bring your laptop computer, book, reading materials, sewing, knitting, playing cards, etc. to occupy you while you wait.
Personal Belongings---Do not leave any personal belongings in the juror assembly room. You need to take all of your personal belongings with you to the courtrooms and to lunch.