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APPENDIX B - JURY MANAGEMENT FORMS COMMON PLEAS COURT (NAME) Dear (NAME), You were notified to appear in Courtroom __ of the Washington Co. Common Pleas Court on (DATE OF APPEARANCE) for jury duty. Our records indicate that you did not appear. We, at the court, certainly understand that to many citizens jury service is an imposition upon their busy schedules. However, in the last year we have not been able to proceed with scheduled jury trials because insufficient prospective jurors have appeared. Cases have has to be continued that involve serious criminal charges and important issues between private citizens. These are important matters to those involved, to the Courts, and to our community. Our system of justice depends on the participation of its citizens. By law, the Court is authorized to order the immediate arrest of those who fail to appear, and to subject them to contempt proceedings with possible fine and jail. These are steps we do not wish to take. We hope that you will appear when next notified to do so, so that no further action will be necessary. As best as we can, we try to accommodate all prospective juror's schedules. If notified in advance, we can reschedule service for those with severe problems that prevent them appearing on the day they are called for. We have established a phone-in system to notify prospective jurors when the cases have been settled or dismissed. Many times we are not informed until late in the afternoon of the day before trial that the cases will not be going forward because the parties have resolved their differences. We look forward to working with you. We need your cooperation and appearance. If you have a reason for not appearing as a juror we need you to call as soon as you receive the notice in order that we can call another juror to take your place. Your attention, cooperation, and understanding in these matters would be appreciated. Very truly yours, Bailiff Washington County Clerk of Courts ©2006 Washington County |