For the first time in months, Marysville Municipal Court issued summonses for jury duty for trial dates beginning in September. Under the direction of the state Office of the Administrator for the Courts, the Court has implemented changes to meet precautionary measures outlined by the Center for Disease Control.

Jury selection, for example, will take place in a larger space (the Rotary Ranch at Jennings Park). Jurors selected will later report to serve in a trial at the Marysville courthouse.

“Jury trials are a cornerstone of the justice system,” Presiding Judge Fred Gillings said. “They are critical to fair hearings and a key constitutional guarantee for all.”

Jury positions will be marked for physical distancing. The courthouse and jury deliberation rooms are cleaned daily to protect the public and staff. The Court provides hand sanitizer, hand washing areas and masks if needed. Jurors can also bring and wear their own masks or gloves if desired.

It is important for jurors to serve in person rather than virtually, according to information sent to potential jurors with their summonses. Some reasons are to protect the rights of the accused and for jurors to have shared direct access to attorney presentations, evidence and exhibits, and to facilitate juror discussion during deliberations.