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Please make sure to fill out your qualification form online at:
www.courts.state.md.us/juryservice/jurorqualificationform.

If you are requesting to be excused those requests need to be submitted in writing to the Court and submitted within 10 days of receipt.

Message from the Maryland Judiciary: Trial by jury is a foundation of our system of justice and is one of the reasons that our justice system is the finest in the world. While trial by jury is a right guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Maryland Declaration of Rights, serving on a jury is both a responsibility of being a citizen and an opportunity to serve the community. No special training, skills or legal knowledge are necessary to be a juror. All that is required is that you be willing to keep an open mind, to pay attention, and to make a decision based only on the law and evidence that is presented. On behalf of the Maryland Judiciary, thank you for your jury service.

All Jurors are encouraged to watch the following Juror Orientation Video produced by the Maryland Judiciary:

 

EXCUSAL REQUESTS

What happens if I just don’t come? Is there a penalty if I do not appear for jury service or do not complete my service?
If you do not appear for jury service at the date and time directed by the summons, you can be fined for up to $1,000, incarcerated for up to 60 days, or both. If you do not complete jury service, you can be fined for up to $1,000, incarcerated for up to 90 days, or both. This is Maryland Law which all courthouses and jurors are required to follow. The relevant laws are Maryland Annotated Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article, Sections 8-504 and 8-505. There are also penalties for failing to complete the Juror Qualification Form accurately and for not returning that Form. You can learn more about these penalties here.

How long is the day? Will I be sent to multiple courtrooms?
The jury system at the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County is a ONE WEEK or ONE TRIAL system. That means you will be done with your service if you serve on one trial. If you are not seated on a trial, your “on call” service is only one week. You may or may not be called in each day of your week of service. The courthouse is open to jurors at 7:00 a.m. daily.

You should plan to be at the courthouse during normal business hours which are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. During this time, the movement of jury panels will be limited as much as possible. Our court has increased the areas of the building in which jurors will be assembled which will allow for social distancing and assist in limiting juror movement.

I have issues with childcare since schools are not reopening and are only offering virtual classes, what do I do?
The court does allow a one-time courtesy postponement which can be done when you have completed your questionnaire on-line. If you have used this one-time postponement previously, you will need to submit your request in writing and documentation may be required. If serving during a school break is practical, you may have the option of selecting a date within that range.

I am a caregiver and need to be home with my loved one, what do I do?
The court does allow a one-time courtesy postponement which can be done when you have completed filling out your questionnaire on-line. If you have previously used this one-time postponement, you will have to submit a written request along with a note from the physician of the person you are caring for.

Will I lose my unemployment benefits if I serve on a jury?
No. Under Maryland law, you will not be denied unemployment benefits because you had jury service and were unable to work or seek work. The relevant law is Maryland Annotated Code, Labor & Employment Article, Sections 8-101(z)(3)(x), 8-907(a) and 8-1108(a)(1)). For more information, contact the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.


FOOD & BEVERAGES

Can I bring in my own drink?
Yes, but beverage containers must pass through the magnetometer. If you bring in a metal cup, it must pass through the x-ray machine and therefore, must not contain any liquids and be empty.

Can I still bring my own lunch and snacks? Can I still eat in the assembly room? Yes. Jurors can bring their own lunch and snacks. All Jurors must be mindful of debris, odor and spills when choosing food items. Jurors will be allowed to leave the building for breaks and bring food back into the courthouse.

Will the vending machines still be available?
Yes. The vending machines will still be available for your convenience. Our snack bar will also be open for food purchases.


RESTROOMS

Restrooms are cleaned and checked multiple times daily by custodial staff. Soap, and sanitizer and wipes will be available in all restrooms.

SECURITY

Who is responsible for the security protocol? What happens with noncompliance?
The Anne Arundel County Office of the Sheriff is responsible for enforcing the security protocol. Any person may be denied entrance or required to leave a court as a result of the screening process or as a result of refusing to comply with the requirements to wear a face mask or maintain social distancing.


TRANSPORTATION

My bus line is not operating on a regular schedule. What do I do?
The court has been in contact with the Maryland Department of Transportation and the City of Annapolis Department of Transportation. We are encouraging the continuation of the bus lines connecting our County and City. If a bus line is limited or canceled, the court encourages you to find a suitable means of transportation to come to and from the courthouse. 

I don’t feel comfortable taking public transportation, where can I park?
Please click here to visit our website to find resources for parking.

TRIALS

What types of cases will be heard? 
The court will resume jury trials involving both criminal and civil matters.

OTHER

Will we be allowed to bring?

  • Reading Material: Yes
  • Pens: Yes, and encouraged
  • Sanitizer, Personal Wipes: Yes, and encouraged
  • Electronic Devices: Yes, but must be turned off in courtrooms
  • Lunch/Snacks: Yes

Additional information can be found on the Maryland Judiciary’s website: https://mdcourts.gov/juryservice 

Statewide Jury Service FAQ can be found at: https://mdcourts.gov/juryservice/faqs