JURORS IN HARRIS COUNTY WILL GET A GIFT!

HAVE YOU SERVED YOUR COMMUNITY TODAY?

Harris County District Clerk Loren Jackson hosts the Harris County District Clerk’s Office Second Annual Juror Appreciation Week beginning TODAY, Sept. 13, through Friday, Sept. 17. Jackson created the week in 2009 to thank citizens for serving and to highlight their critical role in the judicial system.

“Prospective jurors reporting for jury service this week will be given special tokens of appreciation throughout the week as a way to express our sincere appreciation to for their service to our community,” Jackson said.

Since he took office in 2008, Jackson has focused on efforts to increase attendance to jury service and to make the selection process more convenient. In July 2009, he had wireless Internet installed in the Jury Assembly Room, allowing prospective jurors an opportunity to check e-mail and stay connected to work and to their families while waiting on the jury selection process. The room now also features satellite TV.

District Clerk’s Office employees greet prospective jurors and help answer their questions as they enter the Jury Assembly Room, and all prospective jurors watch an educational video explaining the jury service process.

Jurors can reschedule their service online and print a new summons at www.hcdistrictclerk.com.

Jackson’s efforts resulted last year in the highest known juror appearance rate and the lowest known rate of no-shows. The increased juror appearance rate has saved the office thousands of dollars in actual costs.

“Being called to serve on a jury is a great way to serve our community, and I hope the majority of our citizens who are summoned will respond,” Jackson said.