Orders issued to noncompliant jurors to appear in Court, failure to answer are punishable acts of contempt

DETROIT, MI - From November 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, the Third Judicial Circuit Court has called in and expected 78,639 jurors to report for jury service; 46% did not obey the summons and failed to appear for jury service.

Jury service may not be as attractive as portrayed in John Grisham's novel, Runaway JUry, but it is a civic duty. Failing to answer and return the Jury Service Questionnaire and failing to appear when summoned as a juror without being excused are punishable acts of contempt.

On October 1, 2014, Jurors who failed to appear may find a court order from the Third Judicial Circuit Court in their mailboxes. This order, the Order to Show Cause, directs the juror to appear on October 30, 2014 at an appointed time before Chief Judge Robert J. Colombo, Jr.

"Jury service is to protect the rights of a defendant in a criminal case and the parties in a civil case from an unfair prosecutor or lawyer and/or the possible prejudice of a judge," explained Chief Judge Colombo. "It is the purest form of government because jurors are not subject to political considerations or contributions, but rather decide the case based upon the evidence. Jurors represent the thinking of the community. It is a service that should command the pride and pleasure of every citizen and should not be avoided." Judge Colombo reminds jurors, "The Court asks Jurors to serve one day or one trial while our servicemen and women sacrifice every day and serve in some of the most dangerous places in the world."

Those jurors who run and fail to appear for the October 30th hearing face the risk of a bench warrant being issued for their arrest, fines, and penalties allowed under the law.
Judge Colombo invites inquiries from the media and will hold a press conference on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 701 located in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Two Woodward, Ave, Detroit, M148226.