9E Circuit Judge Blake Batson, Clark County Circuit Clerk Brian Daniel and Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson announced today the use of a new enhanced jury questionnaire and summons process for jurors. Additionally, the court will use the county’s ClarkArk Alerts notification system to notify jurors of jury trial settings and the required dates of service.
“We have been continuously working to make the process of jury service the least burdensome on our citizens as possible,” Batson said. “We believe this system will be welcomed by jurors.”
The process of jury service begins with an order from Judge Batson to direct Clerk Daniel to use the Court’s jury selection software to select a set number of names that the computer will randomly draw from the voter registration rolls of Clark County. Those chosen will be sent a jury summons and questionnaire that must be completed and returned within 10 days.
The previous process required that the questionnaires be returned by mail and then entered into the Court’s computer. The new system will allow jurors to now complete their questionnaire online via a web address or by pointing their smart phone to a QR code that will be on the questionnaire.
Daniel worked with the vendor of the jury selection software to develop the online form. Jurors will still be allowed to return their questionnaires by mail. Daniel added, “As the Circuit Clerk, I strive to make every process as easy as I can for the citizens. With this new system, there will be more convenient options for returning the questionnaire.”
After the Court receives the questionnaires, Judge Batson will review each one electronically to determine their initial qualifications to serve and to evaluate all requests to be excused or for postponement. Arkansas law provides that a person may be excused if the court finds that either the state of the juror’s interests, health or those of the public will be materially injured by the juror’s attendance. The law does not allow excusal because of occupation or employment. Requests must state the nature of the conflict or hardship and must be received prior to the scheduled service date. Those requesting to be excused will be notified of the Court’s decision.
Those selected are a part of the jury panel that will be called to appear in Circuit Court for jury orientation. The orientation informs the panel members about the process of jury service. Questions are asked by the judge of their qualifications to serve as jurors and members are sworn to serve. Jury trial dates are then provided for members to return. Previously, jurors were asked to call an information number to receive the latest updates on the necessity of their appearance at court.
With the use of the county’s alert notification system jurors will now receive text, phone or email messages to notify the panel members of the dates to appear. The jury list will be provided by the Clerk’s office and then uploaded into Clark Alerts. There are no additional costs to the county.
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“Judge Tucker welcomed the use of the county’s system, which is used for notification of severe weather and other urgent messages, to be used for juror notification,” Batson said. “We worked with Tate Chanler, our Emergency Management Director, to modify the alerts for jurors. Sheriff Watson does our notification of jurors and does an incredible job. We routinely have 100% of those called present at our jury trials. I credit both the Sheriff and our citizens for this success. The use of the the text, phone, and emails will supplement the notification and reminder process. Jurors will respond with a text of their receipt of the message and a report will be generated for each response received.
Batson added, “We understand that jury service can be an inconvenience and requires our jurors to miss work, classes and appointments. We want to ensure that when we contact them to appear their presence is needed and required. The last thing we want is for someone to miss work or other obligations unnecessarily. We believe that text notifications will be the most efficient method to notify them.”
The next jury panel will be notified of their selection beginning in the next week. Their service term will be from May 1, 2024 until August 31, 2024.