Jury service will look a bit different going forward, with new processes to maintain safety, such as remote juror selection (voir dire) by video, smaller groups meeting in larger spaces, required use of personal protective equipment, and fewer trials being conducted simultaneously.

Do not come to the courthouse in-person until you have received information directly from a bailiff as to the actual location, date and time that your in-person presence is required.  You may be contacted by email, phone, text, or USPS mail. 

SPECIAL NOTICE (HERE) for Juror Candidates summons for Superior Court service.

Some or all of the summoned jurors will participate in the jury selection (voir dire) process remotely by video through a phone, tablet, or computer.  With access to the necessary technology and a quiet location, this option is encouraged.

Remote (video) Juror Selection Participants Must Haves:

The court bailiff will be contacting you by email with information about the day and time to connect to the video proceeding. It will be important to check your email regularly to stay informed. If you do not have an email address, you can get one for free, using sites like Google, Yahoo, Apple iCloud, etc.

You need to have reliable, stable access to high speed or broadband internet to participate in jury selection by video. In response to the impacts of COVID-19, Drive-In WiFi Hotspots provide free temporary, emergency internet access for Washingtonians who do not have broadband service to their homes (visit: Washington State Drive-In WiFi Hotspots Location Finder).

You will need access to a cell phone (i.e. iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, etc.), tablet, or a working computer with a functioning webcam or video capable camera.

The jury selection process involves asking the juror panel questions and hearing responses. Most tablets and computers have a microphone and speakers included; these must be in working order.

The jury selection process will likely last less than an hour. During this time period it is very important to give your full attention to your video monitor and the conversation.

• If you can, get help with children or other caregiving responsibilities you have so that you don’t get distracted or interrupted during the proceeding.

• Think about where to put any pets who may distract you.

• Find a location away from or plan to minimize distractions by silencing phones, email and text notifications, and turning off fans, dishwashers, washer/dryer, or any other noise distractions.

The Remote (Video) Jury Selection Process

Prior your appearance date, please verify you have access to the necessary video equipment ("must haves" above), test your wifi connection or locate a free wifi location, and view the Zoom video tutorials. 

The Court's bailiff will provide you instructions on how to join the virtual proceeding. The instructions will include a link, a phone number, the meeting ID, and a password that you will need to join. Do not share this information with anyone. 

On the day and time of your scheduled appearance:

• Find a quiet place where no one will interrupt you.

• Locate a good internet connection. 

• Join by the link provided to you in the email sent:
  • Click on the meeting link
  • Enter the requested information (name, meeting ID and/or password)

• You will be entered directly into the "waiting room" or will wait for the host to start the meeting.  Please do not hang up. 

• Upon entering the waiting room, enter your name as directed by the bailiff.
  
  

• After the host lets you in the meeting, turn on your video and make sure the lighting makes it easy for others to see you.  Adjust your speaker volume as needed.

• Depending on the device you are using, you may see ten or more other people on your screen. The person talking is identifiable by a yellow outline around their box or when their video image becomes the main focus on the screen. 

• The judge will make sure you can hear and talk, and will go over all the rules.

• If you have internet, audio, or video issues during the jury selection process that disrupts the process, you will be excused and provided with a date and time to appear in person.