Q&A
Who may be called to serve as a juror?
You may be called to serve if you are at least 18 years old, a United States citizen and a resident of Hamilton County. In addition, you must have a reasonable knowledge of English and be physically and mentally capable of serving.
How did my name get selected for jury duty?
Jurors' names are selected at random by a computer from a list of registered voters provided by the Board of Elections.
How long will I be required to serve?
Normal length of service is for two weeks. However, if you are not serving on a jury in progress, you will call a recording each night for reporting instructions for the next day. If your services are not required, it is recommended that you report to work.
Do I get paid for jury duty?
You will receive a fee of $19.00 for each day that you are required to attend. Work statements for your company indicating the days that you served as a juror and the amount paid will be furnished upon request.
What should I wear for jury duty?
Wear comfortable clothing that enhances the dignity of the Court and emphasizes the seriousness of your responsibility. Shorts, hats, tank tops, tee-shirts, sweatsuits, or other such informal attire is not considered appropriate in the courtroom. ***Because the Courthouse is an older building the Jury Commission Office tends to run either hot or cold. We are constantly in communication with the Building Manager to make our space as comfortable as possible, however, it is difficult to find a comfortable temperature. With that in mind it is our recommendation that you come prepared with a jacket for colder temperatures.***
What hours will I serve?
Normal business hours at the Courthouse are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On days that you report for jury service, you can expect to be there during its normal hours. A specific time that you will need to appear by will be given with your nightly jury instructions, but the building will open at 8:00 a.m.
If not selected for a jury, you may be able to leave early. Jurors will be given a lunch break and may be given other breaks during a trial. On occasion, a trial will continue beyond the normal working hours. If this happens, you may need to arrange your schedule to allow you to stay longer.
Is it possible that I might report for jury service but not sit on a jury?
Yes, The parties involved in a case generally seek to settle their differences and avoid the expense and time of a trial. Sometimes the case is settled just a few moments before the trial begins. Though many trials are scheduled daily, the Court doesn't know until that morning how many will actually go to trial. But your time spent waiting is not wasted. Your presence encourages settlement.
Why doesn't my summons have a time to appear if I am a Petit Juror?
If you are a Petit Juror you will not automatically be appearing on the date listed on your summons that you received in the mail. Instead you must check our Juror Hotline (513-946-5879) or the Do I Report section of the website after 4:00 p.m. the weekend prior to the date on your summons for your reporting instructions. If you are to appear you will be given a time to appear within the message. If you need to appear on the initial date from your summons the time will most likely be 8:30 a.m. Other days your reporting time may vary.
Grand jurors are always to report on the date and time listed on your summons.
Can I bring Food and Drinks into the courthouse?
Yes. You are more than welcome to pack your lunch and any drinking vessel that you prefer so long as it has a lid. For your convenience the Jury Commission Office is equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, and 2 microwaves. Do not bring metal cutlery as it is possible it could be confiscated at the security checkpoint upon arrival. We have plastic cutlery and plates available here for you to use.
