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Welcome to the Office of Jury Services

Welcome to the Office of Jury Services

Juror  Duty Reporting Status


Jurors whose Service Date is:

Thursday, March 28, 2024

 should not report for jury duty.



the event of inclement weather, please regularly check www.berksjury.com

 for updates on any delay or closure of the Courthouse/Services Center buildings.

Notification will also be distributed to WFMZ TV.  

If there is a delay, please report at the delayed opening time. If the Courthouse and Services Center are closed, do not report for jury duty. 


Proper attire is required for jury duty; no shorts, no halter-tops, or tank tops allowed.  

Parking is available in the Reed and Court Street Garage - DO NOT PAY for Parking when entering the garage.

The County will cover the cost of your parking.  Bring your license plate number with you when you enter the building.

Only oversized vehicles should park in the 6th & Cherry open lot.  Enter the lot via 5th Street.  

Please bring your license plate number with you when parking on this open lot.

Jury Service - A Duty & Privilege


Answering the call for jury service

(A video by the National Center for State Courts)

Jurors perform a vital role in the American system of justice. The protection of our rights and liberties is largely achieved through the teamwork of Judge and jury who, working together in a common effort, put into practice the principles of our great heritage of freedom. The Judge determines the law to be applied in the case while the jury decides the facts. Thus, in a very important way, jurors become a part of the Court itself.

Any inconvenience and financial sacrifice that might be made to render public service as a juror are greatly appreciated by the Judges, the lawyers and your fellow citizens. It is a strong act of citizenship willing to pay taxes, serving in the military and voting.

The reward for a juror's services lies in the awareness that he or she has performed a high duty of citizenship, and in the realization that he or she has aided in the maintenance of law, order, and in the administration of justice among his or her fellow citizens.

Efficient jurors are men and women of sound judgment, absolute honesty, and a complete sense of fairness. The juror aids in the maintenance of law and order and upholds justice among the citizenry. His or her greatest reward is the knowledge that he or she has discharged the duty faithfully, honorably, and well. In addition to determining and adjusting property rights, jurors may also be asked to decide questions involving a crime for which a person may be confined in prison. In a very real sense, therefore, the people must rely upon jurors for the protection of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Any juror should realize a quiet importance and pride from his or her service. He or she should decide the facts and apply the law impartially, treat alike the rich and the poor, men and women, corporations and individuals. He or she should render justice without any regard to race, color, or creed.

Resources

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Prohibited Use of Electronic Devices

If you are selected as a juror, you must obey the rules concerning electronic devices:
 

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Persons in the Courtroom

A number of people are in the courtroom who play a part in the proceeding.

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Trial Sequence

There are general stages of a trial usually occuring in jury cases: