Importance and Responsibility of Jury Service

Welcome

Trial by jury is a fundamental part of the American system of justice, and is a right guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois. To preserve this right it is essential that the court establish and maintain a well-functioning system for the selection and utilization of jurors.

The 16th Judicial Circuit Court utilizes the ONE DAY/ONE TRIAL system of jury service. Under this system a person called to jury duty serves for the duration of one trial if selected to hear a case. But if the person has not been selected to hear a case by the end of one day, he or she is discharged from jury duty.

Under the Jury Commission Act, the circuit judges are directed to appoint three jury commissioners. Since the positions of the former jury commissioners were abolished, the judges assigned the additional duties of jury commissioners to three online staff members. These three are now solely responsible for the day-to-day operation of the jury system, from check-in to data collection and reporting. In the current one-day/one-trial jury system, the juror serves for one day only, unless chosen to hear a case lasting more than one day. The number of names selected is based upon the number required to actually report, as specified by the chief judge. These names are drawn randomly from computerized voter registration lists, along with Drivers License lists, on a weekly basis.

The day-to-day operation of the jury system in the 16th Judicial Circuit Court is administered through the Office of the Jury Commission under the direction of Court Administrator Douglas J. Naughton.

The citizens of Kane County can take pride in having one of the most modern jury systems operating in Illinois. When you have completed your service as a juror, it is hoped you will have a higher opinion of the privilege enjoyed by the free citizens of our country to participate in the administration of justice. In serving as a juror, you know that you have discharged a serious responsibility in a conscientious manner.

"Citizens of the United States have enjoyed for over 200 years the right to have their cases decided by a jury of their peers. Jury service is not merely your responsibility - it is also a cherished right."