Jury service is a very important part of our American justice system. While we recognize that very few people are excited to receive a jury summons, we do all we can so that your experience with our judiciary is as rewarding and straightforward as possible.

To shorten your gathering time prior to going to the Courtroom you will need to watch the Juror Orientation video prior to reporting for jury duty. The film is approximately 14 minutes long and can be paused if needed.

If you have been assigned to begin your jury service with Judge O’Callaghan, you can find specifics about his court below:

  • Once you have been assigned to a judge for jury service, only that judge may grant a request to be excused. If you have been assigned to Judge O’Callaghan and would like to submit a request to be excused based on a previously unforeseeable circumstance (i.e. illness or family emergency), please email the court and include any supporting documentation you may have.

  • While we encourage you to be comfortable so that you can focus on the trial presentation, overly casual clothing is not appropriate in a courtroom. No shorts, tank tops, ball caps, or ripped clothing will be permitted. Jeans are permissable provided they are not torn.

    Temperatures tend to fluctuate around the courthouse so you are encouraged to wear layers.

  • Jurors can expect a lunch break of approximately one hour each day. Judge O’Callaghan will provide lunch but you are welcome to bring your own or go elsewhere if you prefer.

    The flow of trial tends to provide for many small breaks, allowing the jury to have a snack, stretch their legs, or visit the restroom.

    Jurors are encouraged to alert the bailiff if they are ever in need of an additional break.

  • You are permitted to bring your cell phone with you into the courtroom but it must be turned off, not merely on silent.

    Jurors are not permitted to bring cell phones into the deliberation room. They will be collected and held by the court’s bailiff during deliberations.

    • No person, other than the court reporter, is permitted to record courtroom proceedings at any time.

    • Eating and gum chewing are not permissible in the courtroom.

    • Water and other soft drinks may be consumed in the courtroom if they are contained in a bottle or closeable container.

    • Talking during trial presentation is impermissible.

    • Each person present in the courtroom shall behave in a manner which reflects respect for the court, staff, counsel, and litigants.

General information regarding jury service can be found on the Clerk of Court’s Website.