For our jury system to work, it is essential that the court and employers work in partnership to ensure that all Lucas County residents are available to serve jury duty when summoned. Without cooperation from the local business community, we risk losing a fundamental principle upon which we, private and corporate citizens alike, depend. Cooperation from employers is essential to maintaining a strong jury system. The importance of your participation cannot be emphasized enough.

Jury seatedWe wish to extend our deepest appreciation to public and private employers in the Lucas County community for supporting our jury system!

Employee Protection

As the employer, you must allow an employee time off to serve on jury duty. It is against the law for any employer to threaten or terminate an employee summoned to court for jury service.  No employer shall require or request an employee to use annual, vacation or sick leave for time spent serving as a juror.

How Employers Can Help

Employers and businesses are encouraged to help support the jury system by paying employees while serving jury duty. Far too many potential jurors who want to serve have asked to be excused because the loss of income would create a financial hardship. If together, we can decrease the number of people claiming financial hardship, we create a much broader cross-section of the community who are available to serve.

This will help create juries that are truly representative and reflective of our community. By agreeing to compensate employees during jury service, not only will employers continue to enjoy the benefits of the jury system, but they will contribute towards its improvement.

How Jurors Are Summoned

The selection and management of jurors are governed by the Ohio Revised Code. Jury Summonses are mailed approximately 30 days in advance of the service date. The summons contains information and instructions on submitting requests for excusal. Prospective jurors are selected at random from the list of registered voters in Lucas County.

Length of Service

Employers have valid concerns about how jury service affects their available resources. The court recognizes these concerns, and we strive to make the best use of the time an employee spends on jury duty. Regular jury service in the Court of Common Pleas is one week of jury pool service or, if selected, the duration of one jury trial.

Employer Hardship

The court does not excuse prospective jurors based on a work or employer hardship. A one-time deferral of the service can be granted to allow additional time to prepare for the employee’s possible absence. See Request to Reschedule for more information.