About Jury Services

 

Dear Prospective Juror,

Jury service plays a vital role in sustaining the American system of justice. You are an important part of the Tarrant County Justice System.

Perhaps you are wondering, "Why was my name drawn for jury service?" The Texas Legislature is responsible for all laws pertaining to jury service. Every other year the Secretary of State receives the Tarrant County voters list, the driver's license and identification card lists from the Department of Public Safety. The Secretary of State then combines these lists and sends Tarrant County their jury list for the upcoming two years.  The Tarrant County jury list begins in January of the even years and ends the last week of December in the odd years.  Currently, there are over one million names on our jury list and we mail over 200,000 summons annually. The reason some people never receive a summons is because we are not able to exhaust the list before the end of the two-year cycle.

However, it is now easier than ever to report for jury service.  Gone are the days of reporting to the Central Jury Room and waiting all day to see if the courts would need a jury. Now you have a choice.  You can report in person as summoned to the Central Jury Room. Or, you can use our online system, eResponse.  As long as you register online at least two days in advance and confirm your service; we will email your jury service instructions. Emails will be sent out no later than 4pm the day before your summons date. If you receive an online assignment, your reporting date, time and place may change.  Your email will direct you to the court location along with the date and time designated by the judge of that court.  If you are concerned you may have missed an email from jury services, log into eResponse; you can review your new instructions under the profile tab. 

The judges and I hope jury service is a pleasant experience for you.  Please feel free to share any suggestions, concerns or compliments you may have with your judge or I. 


Sincerely,


Paula Giaimo Morales, Bailiff
Tarrant County Jury Services