Prospective jurors in Atlantic County are now able to respond to jury duty summonses online and interact with the court in real time under a new system that began this month.
Atlantic County Superior Court became be the first to introduce the Judiciary’s new jury summons system when it began its pilot program Jan. 18. The program will expand statewide by the end of the year.
As part of the changes, a single postcard replaces the letter-sized paper summons mailed to prospective jurors advising them of the date and location of jury duty and providing instructions to complete an online qualification questionnaire. Prospective jurors who do not complete online qualification within three weeks will receive a letter-sized questionnaire to be completed and mailed back to the local jury management office.
In addition to the new summons forms, a new juror portal allows prospective jurors to ask questions or request deferrals or postponements online for quicker responses. The portal also enhances email and text message communications between jurors and the jury management office.
The new system reflects the Judiciary’s commitment to best meet the needs of the public and engage with jurors in a clear and concise manner, according to a release.
“Jury service is essential to the fair administration of justice,” Atlantic-Cape May Vicinage Assignment Judge Julio L. Mendez said. “The judiciary appreciates the commitment and sacrifices that citizens make to serve as jurors and we hope this new process will make it easier for them to interact with the court system.”
“The Judiciary continues to work to improve the jury experience,” Administrative Director Glenn A. Grant said. “Modernizing communication with jurors is the latest step in our ongoing efforts to respect jurors’ time and support positive interactions with the courts.”
Frequently asked questions about jury service in New Jersey can be found at njcourts.gov.
