What happens when you report to jury duty? (MA)?

Question

I was wondering the process of what happens after you show up to a summon. Is the court case the same day?

I know there's a lot of waiting around / questioning etc. What are you allowed to do and not do when waiting - in terms of bringing electronic devices + other ways to amuse yourself while waiting?

Answer 1

You are right about the waiting around and questioning but if you fail too show up they will issue a bench warrent for your arrest and you will go to jail when they catch you and remember they have your address or they couldn't have sent the summons

Answer 2

The rules may vary from one county to another. It may even differ from one city in the county to another. Or even from one court to another in the same courthouse. Just check with the court officials or jury commissioner, or other persons who deal with prospective jurors.

Usually, the jurors are called for service on the same day, unless all the criminal cases are plea-bargained out, or all the civil cases scheduled that day are settled. If so, you may be excused, or may be ordered to report the next day, or wait for telephone instructions to report, or listen the next day for a taped announcement on the phone as to when you may be needed again to come in. Each county may be slightly different. Big cities differ from small towns.

Electronic devices? That depends on court rules. Certainly, if you are called into court, you must turn off a cell phones or pagers, or any other device that makes noise and might disrupt the proceedings. Some judges and some courts have specific court rules about laptop computers and taking notes and so forth. Usually, you are not allowed to have them on during court. As long as a gameboy is turned off, it should not be a problem. but some courts have blanket prohibitions about bringing any electronic recording devices into the courthouse, or cameras or other things that may violate security concerns. Some have a blanket prohibition. Check with your local courts, and call them and ask.

For myself, I just brought a good book (not a criminal or murder mystery)  to court to read during recesses and at lunchtime. I kept a cell phone locked up in the car trunk, but I could pick it up if needed. Expect a lot of waiting around before being called into the court, or taken from one courtroom to another until they were ready to question prospective jurors.  If you have to make a phone call, usually courthouses and juror's waiting rooms have payphones for use of the jurors waiting.

Answer 3

In Texas if you are not selected for a panel on the day you are called you are released, and not eligable to be called again within the next 6 months.  I don't think I have ever seen a gameboy or lap top in the assembly room.  Most bring reading materials, and a lot just sit and people watch.

Answer 4

I'm sure a Gameboy would be okay. People usually bring books, magazines, newspapers, and cards (no gambling allowed). You might want to call before you bring a laptop, but it would probably be permitted before you were assigned to a trial.

In most jurisdictions, you can expect to spend up to a week before being called as a juror.