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Meeting Archives: May 1, 2026

May 1, 2026

Index

Agenda

Task Force on Removing Barriers to Jury Service

Meeting # 4: Circuit Court Data, Jury Service in Local Courts, and Barriers to Jury Service

May 1, 2026

Roll Call and Verification of Quorum
  • Chair Kimberly McCullough, Senior Counsel for Government Relations, Oregon Judicial Department (OJD)
Ratify Prior Meeting Minutes
  • Chair Kimberly McCullough, Senior Counsel for Government Relations, OJD
Data about Circuit Courts (continued from last meeting)
  • Molly Harvis, Statewide Jury Coordinator, OJD
Jury Service in Oregon (continued) 
  • Jury Service in Local Courts (rescheduled from last meeting)
    • Honorable Tucker Rossetto, Beaverton Municipal Court
Circuit Courts During COVID 
  • Question and Answer Session
    • Molly Harvis, Statewide Jury Coordinator, OJD  
High-Level Overview of Potential Barriers to Jury Service
  • Group Discussion
Where We Are Headed from Here
  • Group Discussion 
Meeting Materials

Meeting Materials

Draft - Meeting Minutes (to be voted on at the 5/1/26 meeting)

Task Force on Removing Barriers to Jury Service

Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual via WebEx Webinar
Members in Attendance: Senator Kim Thatcher, Nansi López, Chair Kimberly McCullough, Bryan Brock, Honorable Matthew Shirtcliff, Representative Tom Andersen, Timothy Dooley, Senator James Manning, Keren Farkas, Kia Tolbert, Royce Williams, Derek Sangston, Senator Kim Wallan, Honorable Tucker Rossetto; Honorable Chanpone Sinlapasai
Members Not in Attendance: None
Quorum: Yes (10 voting members present)
Ratify Prior Meeting Minutes
  • Chair McCullough asked if anyone had any changes or additions to the March 12, 2026,draft meeting minutes
    • No one said that they did
  • Chair McCullough asked if there were any objections to ratifying those minutes
    • No one said any objections
  • Chair McCullough stated those meeting minutes are ratified
Jury Service in Oregon (Continued)
  • Molly Harvis, Statewide Jury Coordinator in the Court Programs Division of the Office of the State Court Administrator (OSCA), finished presenting the PowerPoint on jury service and circuit courts from the March 12, 2026, meeting
    • Employment Protections
      • The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) website has a jury duty webpage with questions and answers for employees and employers
      • Employers may pay an employee during their jury service, but if they don’t, they can’t require their employee to use any annual leave to respond or participate in jury service
        • Employers with 10 or more employees are required to continue health, disability, and life insurance during an employee’s jury service
          • Discussed some exceptions for small employers
    • In Oregon, a juror may not be identified by name in any court proceeding open to the public and jurors can’t be recorded during trial
      • Names of jurors are available to the parties unless the court determines there is good cause for them not to be
      • Any jury lists created using names from the Oregon Department of Transportation or the Secretary of State may not be disclosed
    • Presiding judges set the length of jury service
      • Some counties call jurors in for one day or one trial, others have longer terms of service
        • Stature asks the Chief Justice to take all reasonable actions necessary to implement “one day, one trial” for all counties, if possible
      • Some counties have jurors be on-call for a set period of time, rather than officially summoning them
        • More common in smaller counties and areas where many people work seasonal jobs (e.g., fire, logging, etc.)
    • If, before the final submission of a case, a juror is unable to continue, the court will discharge them and replace them with an alternate juror
      • Alternate jurors have the same rules, rights, and opportunities as jurors
      • If alternates are not used, they are excused once the jury retires to deliberation
      • Reviewed how the number of prospective jurors, jurors, and alternate jurors called for service varies by case type
    • Jury selection (voir dire) is the process of selecting individuals who will be seated as jurors by asking them questions under oath
      • Provides parties/judge an opportunity to determine who is best qualified to serve and select a fair and impartial jury
      • Discussed the definitions and uses of for-cause and peremptory challenges
      • Grand jury panels/prospective grand jurors may be excused but not challenged
  • Bryan Brock, Oregon District Attorneys Association, presented a PowerPoint on jury service for grand juries
    • Reviewed what a grand jury is under Oregon Constitution Article VII § 5
      • Required to charge a person with a felony, with few exceptions
      • May issue subpoenas and hear evidence relating to potential crimes in the county in which they’re seated
    • Discussed the statutory framework of grand juries under ORS 132.310 to ORS 132.390A
      • May present the crimes to the court in a presentation (less common) or an indictment (more common)
    • Provided an overview of grand jury selection criteria under ORS 132.020(1)
      • Court clerk draws names at random from the names of jurors in attendance until seven jurors are drawn and accepted by the court
      • The grand jury panel and individual jurors cannot be challenged, but may be excused per ORS 10.050 and ORS 132.030
        • Financial hardship is the most common reason an excusal is requested
      • In Clackamas County, service is typically one calendar month, but this and often jurors meet varies by county and can be longer/more often depending on the county’s needs
        • If prosecutors think they may need to come back to the grand jury later, they can continue them (gives the ability to call jurors back later)
    • Reviewed an example of a grand jury docket and calendar from Clackamas County
    • Discussed how hearings with grand juries operate
      • Prosecutor decides what witnesses to call and evidence to present
      • Defendant is generally not present, but may have the right to testify if charged with a felony and they’re waiting for the answer
      • There is no cross-examining of witnesses by the defense attorney
      • Evidentiary portion is recorded
      • Indictment is continental until defendant has been arraigned
      • Witnesses recorded testimony is confidential aside from being provided to the defendant in discovery to prepare their defense
      • A grand jury may indict when all evidence, taken together, is such that in the grand jury’s judgment would, if unexplained or uncontradicted, warrant a conviction by a trial jury
        • Needs a concurrence of five of the seven jurors
        • A “no true bill” is issued if there’s insufficient evidence to warrant a conviction at trial
  • Chair McCullough asked, since the term of grand jury service is so long, how many people tend to ask for excusal due to hardship, and how does that affect the pool of prospective jurors?
    • Brock noted it’s a barrier to jury service for people who work to take a month off for service, especially if their employer doesn’t pay them during service
      • Those serving on grand juries tend to be retired persons, those with seasonal jobs (e.g., teachers), those whose employers pay them during jury service, and those who are unemployed
    • Brock suggested that noting in the jury summons how long the service would be for would be helpful in order to not catch people off guard
    • Brock was unaware how many prospective jurors for grand juries request excusal due to hardship
  • Representative Andersen noted he served as foreperson on a grand jury in Lane County for one month and that they would often only meet in the morning once a week
  • Representative Wallan noted that in Jackson County grand jurors serve for 30 days but generally only meet once a week
    • How does that differ across other counties?
      • Judge Shirtcliff noted it differs across the state
        • Many eastern Oregon petit jurors serve for a few months, but only get called in for a few trials
        • Counties with more cases would need jurors to meet more often, so how it fits into jurors’ lives is dependent on that
Jury Service in Local Courts
  • Due to technical difficulties, Judge Rossetto’s presentation on jury service in local courts was delayed and will be presented at the next meeting
Data About Circuit Courts
  • Harvis presented a PowerPoint regarding data circuit courts current collect
    • Data was gathered by James Giordano (Business and Fiscal Services Division, OSCA) and Dené Paschke (Business Process Supervisor, Enterprise Technology and Services Division, OSCA)
    • Generally, the data is from 2025 to give a clear snapshot of a full year of statewide jury data and mitigate factors that could affect accuracy/completeness
      • Courts mainly collect jury information and data to run their daily operations, the data may not have everything policy makers want to know
    • Data may be influenced by how different courts across counties operate (e.g., differences in length of jury service, how often panels are called, and case management practices, business processes etc.)
    • Data can reveal statewide patterns and show where process improvements have had an effect, and outliers can show which counties need more support and where policy considerations would be helpful
    • Reviewed tables showing:
      • Jury trials from 2017-2025 by six and 12 person juries
        • 2017-19: numbers may have been skewed due to less standardized data collection at the time
        • 2020-21: social distancing measures, hearing extensions, and hybrid/virtual options in place
      • Jury trials by case type in 2025
        • 14 trials were removed due to erroneous data entry
      • Jury trials by case type from 2017-25, with the average annual amount being 1,970
        • Criminal cases makeup about 90% and civil 10%
        • The table does not include data on grand juries
      • Number of persons summoned in 2025, how many responded or not, and how many who responded qualified for jury service or not (where disqualified, deferred, or excused)
        • Summons volumes vary by county due to differences in length of jury service, how frequently panels are called for jury selection, and local trial calendar
        • The slides show a further breakdown of this information at the county level
          • Response rates can be affected by local practices, employment seasonality, address qualities, or the population’s mobility or sparseness
      • Summons responses by disqualification reason
        • We only have specific categories defined in our system to choose from
          • At a local level, courts may ask for more information to verify disqualification reasons, but that’s not collected at the state level
          • Discussed what the “Permanent” and “Administrative” categories are used for
            • Permanent Example: the individual has a permanent, ongoing medical condition, such as needing daily dialysis
            • Administrative Example: there are erroneously duplicated records for an individual 
          • Qualifying Felony and Misdemeanor categories only apply to criminal and grand juries and only if a candidate was summoned when there were no civil trials they could be called for
          • Larger courts/counties may have separate jury pools for criminal/grand and civil
        • Judge Sinlapasai asked, for those with non-citizen or student status, is there a procedure for them to be put in the Permanent category?
          • Harvis replied that it was previously decided that, because non-citizens may become eligible later if they become citizens, we did not want to permanently remove them
            • Judge Sinlapasai noted there are potential consequences, such as removal, if a non-U.S. citizen shows up to jury service
              • She asked if individuals could opt in/out of the “Permanent” category and urged the task force to consider this issue
          • Harvis noted that when responding to a jury summons the first question is if you are a U.S. citizen and if the answer’s “No” they’re prompted to a disqualification request
        • Brock asked for further explanation on what “Permanent” disqualification entails
          • Harvis replied it’s a permanent excusal rather than disqualification, but due to system limitations it’s listed as a disqualification
          • Examples: induvial is on dialysis every day and that won’t change; deceased persons
      • Summons responses by excusal reason
        • Determined by statutory limits and local judicial practices
        • The system only allows one reason to be picked
        • The most common reason has always been being 70 years or older
        • Representative Andersen asked if there is ever any investigation to verify whether a candidate has a hardship (medical, financial, etc.) when they say they do
          • Harvis replied it is up to the local courts to decide if supporting documentation or anything else is needed
            • Statewide guidelines are vague and provide for judicial discretion, but it’s generally recommended to accommodate reasonable requests for accommodations (e.g., a private space for breastfeeding)
          • Rep. Andersen suggested potentially looking into having a more standardized statewide procedure
      • Reviewed a map showing length of jury service by county
        • Judge Shirtcliff noted the map on Slide # was incorrect for Baker County, it said jurors serve 6-11 months, but it should be under 6 months
      • Compared numbers of jurors summoned in 2025 to the amount that responded as eligible, and compared that to the number that ended up reporting for at least one day of service
      • Reviewed how much jurors were paid broken down by per diem rate, mileage reimbursement, and public transportation reimbursement
        • The numbers discussed do not include those who had to decline payment to receive their wages during jury service
    • Harvis' presentation ended early and will be finished at the next meeting
Where We Are Going From Here
  • Finish Harvis’ data presentation, hear Judge Rossetto’s presentation on jury service in local courts, start discussing barriers to jury service
  • Chair McCullough reminded task force members to review the Preserving the Future of Juries and Jury Trials report from the meeting materials
    • Chair McCullough may send out an additional report(s) later this week, so members have more time to review before the next meeting
  • Feel free to reach out to Chair McCullough or Kiely Lyons if there are topics you want to cover, thoughts, questions, concerns, etc.
    • Chair McCullough’s contact information can be found in the Oregon State Bar directory, or Kiely Lyons can provide it
Public Comment
  • No public comment today
Next Meeting (if known):
  • Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
  • Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Via: Webex Webinar

Circuit Court Jury Service During COVID Fact Sheet

Chief Justice Orders (CJOs)

The Chief Justice issued numerous CJOs to address issues during the pandemic:

  • CJO 20-016 – Imposing Level 2 and 3 Restrictions on Court Operations
  • CJO 20-025 – Order Regarding the Use of Protective Face Coverings in the Oregon Supreme Court Building
  • CJO 20-028 – Order Directing or Permitting Appearances at Arraignments by Remote Means
  • CJO 20-045 – Order Regarding the Use of Protective Face Coverings in the Oregon State Courts
  • CJO 20-047 – Order Imposing In-Person Restrictions on Court Operations During Statewide “Freeze”
  • CJO 21-016 – Order Providing Exception to the Required Use of Protective Face Coverings in the Oregon State Courts
  • CJO 21-025 – Order Establishing Updated Directives Relating to Court Operations
  • CJO 21-028 – Order Reinstating Required Use of Protective Face Coverings in the Oregon State Courts, With Exceptions
  • CJO 21-030 – Order Requiring Use of Protective Face Coverings in the Oregon State Courts
  • CJO 21-035 – Order Imposing Updated Social Distancing Requirement
  • CJO 21-039 – Order Imposing Vaccination Requirement
  • CJO 21-050 – Order Lifting Social Distancing Requirements
  • CJO 21-058 – Order Extending Presiding Judge Authority to Impose Social Distancing Requirement
  • CJO 22-002 – Order Revising and Generally Lifting Requirement for Use of Protective Face Coverings in the Oregon State Courts
  • CJO 22-003 – Order Lifting Vaccination Requirement
  • CJO 22-012 – Order Permitting Remote Proceedings and Continuing Protective Measures
  • CJO 23-028 – Order Permitting Remote Proceedings
Presiding Judge Orders (PJOs)

A variety of PJOs related to COVID can be found on the State of Oregon Law Library website.

Linn County Experience 
  • Primary rural county, considered medium-sized in Oregon
  • Generally, summons around 27,000 jurors per year (1 in 5 adults)
  • Suspended jury trials from March – May 2020, as did most of Oregon’s counties
  • From June 2020 to June 2021, jury trials conducted at an off-site location (Linn County Fairgrounds) with social distancing and masking required
    • Had to transport equipment and supplies to location
    • Live streamed trials back to the courthouse to reduce the number of people in the courtroom
    • Critical changes:
      • Chairs numbered and jurors assigned a seat number
      • Created a new orientation video to replace the bulk of in-person instruction
      • Check-in moved from after orientation to before (so seat numbers could be assigned)
      • Sanitation of chairs after orientation and selection
    • Lessons learned: Good signage and clear communication with jurors were critical
  • Starting in July 2021, scheduled a limited number of jury trials in the courthouse, under masking and social distancing restrictions
  • Late 2021, lifted all restrictions and normal trial scheduling resumed
Other County Experiences
  • Some counties, including Multnomah, did remote jury selection using WebEx, after which the selected jury would come to court for the trial.
    • This avoided the need to have a large number of potential jurors come to the courthouse, where social distancing would not be possible.
    • Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office and Washington County District Attorney’s Office both allowed completely virtual grand juries during this time.
  • During trials, many courtrooms had to be rearranged, or jurors had to sit outside the normal jury box in order to allow for social distancing.
  • So many counties worked to accommodate virtual jury selection during COVID that OJD established some statewide practices. Note: The documents below are examples only and were designed to help courts analyze what resources are needed for jury selection. They would need to be reviewed, updated, and formalized before any official use.
  • Few courts have retained remote or online procedures related to jury service, though there are a few who continue to hold portions of jury trials virtually.  Nearly all courts have returned all jury proceedings back to in person.  Potentially the largest lasting impact is that many courts have transitioned the Oregon juror orientation videos (one general, one about implicit bias) from their in-person orientation to posting them on their websites and asking/requiring individuals to watch them prior to their reporting date.
  • Marion County – Remote Voir Dire. “We do not have room in our courtrooms for a “full” voir dire, so we have to do it in panels.  To save time, we are live streaming voir dire to a second courtroom so we don’t have to repeat the entire process for the second panel.”
  • Deschutes County – Remodeled a courtroom, including the jury assembly room, to increase space.  Prior to social distancing requirements, the area held around 80 people.  With the renovation, the space held 27 socially distanced jurors.
    • Courtroom B before remodeling: Alt. Text: Courtroom with a separate jury box with 12 juror chairs inside it, sitting close together. Behind the bar are a number of audience chairs in a row, also close together.
    • Jury assembly room after remodeling: Alt. Text: Large room with single chairs spaced out at least 10 feet from each other.
    • Courtroom B after remodeling to allow more space for social distancing: Alt. Text: Courtroom jury box and traditional table for attorneys and parties have been removed. Single chairs sit at least 10 feet away from each other, each with their own small table and microphone.
    • Courtroom B after remodeling: Alt. Text: Rows of chairs for the audience have been removed. Single chairs for audience members are spaced at least 10 feet apart.
External Resources

American Board of Trial Advocates Report: Guidance for Conducting Civil Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Pandemic (link goes to external website).

Circuit Court Jury Service During COVID Fact Sheet Attachment: Remote Hearing Checklist for Court Staff

Note: The below is an example only and was designed to help courts analyze what resources are needed for jury selection. It would need to be reviewed, updated, and formalized before any official use.
Remote Jury Selection Court Staff Checklist
  • Pre-Selection Process
    • Development of written instructions and job duties for clerks during selection
    • How many court staff are needed/available and develop training support for staff?
      • Can a dedicated Webex clerk be utilized in addition to the normal court staff?
        • Determine if additional staff resources are available.
        • If additional staff are not available, schedule more time between sessions.
      • Are additional staff available to help troubleshoot issues with jurors?
      • Formal training for Webex clerks.
      • Dedicated Webex Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
      • Standing teams group to monitor Webex issues and questions.
    • Determine Webex Meeting Setup
      • Who should schedule the Webex Meetings?
      • Who should be entered as cohosts?
      • How many Webex Meetings should be created?
      • What Webex base options should be chosen at creation?
      • Naming conventions for Webex Meetings.
      • Template creation.
      • Where meeting links should be posted for OJD users,
        • Teams Page
        • Internal SharePoint site
    • Communication with CLAS prior to trial
      • Languages or ASL requirements.
      • Webex links to access.
    • Determine protocols for managing participants through Webex
      • Muting procedures.
      • Moving parties or jurors to breakout rooms and whether court staff should be present.
      • Managing communications (chat, Q&A).
    • Determine how all the parties will be appearing:
      • Fully Remote: no one is in the courtroom.
      • OJD-only Partially Remote: Judge/Clerk in the court, everyone else remote.
      • In Custody Partially Remote: Defendant and attorney in courtroom, everyone else is remote or otherwise located outside the courtroom.
      • Hybrid Partially Remote: Some combination of non-OJD and OJD people are onsite, while others are remote.
    • Determine seating space and physical space requirements in the courtroom and location of the following parties
      • Location of all the parties including the clerk(s) and judge.
      • In custody vs out of custody defendant location.
      • Interpreter location based on party needing interpretation.
  • During Selection Process
    • Verify Webex functionality
      • Limiting chat features.
      • Sharing of introduction PowerPoint or other documentation.
      • Verifying all participants have video and audio.
      • Pinning certain participants (moving to stage) such as judge and ASL interpreter(s), and use the Show active speaker in stage setting for attorneys and other parties.
        • Only 6 parties can be pinned in a grid view.
      • Selecting the type of view.
        • Grid View: displays up to 25 videos in the main screen, all active videos are equal size.
        • Stack View: displays the active speaker in the main screen and up to six additional thumbnail videos above the main screen.
        • Side by Side View: displays the active speaker in the main screen and up to six thumbnail videos to the right of the main screen.
      • If recording through Webex, determine the recording layout.
    • Communication with Interpreters prior to trial:
      • Names of parties and attorneys.
      • Witness list and spelling of names.
      • Jury instructions.
    • Ability to communicate outside of Webex:
      • If technical difficulties are occurring:
        • Ability to contact the judge, other court staff, and attorneys outside of Webex.
        • Include information for jurors in documentation on how to contact the court outside of Webex if they get disconnected.
      • Communication with judge to discuss any necessary protocols.
      • Communication with technical staff for assistance.
      • Communication with other court staff assisting, such as the jury coordinators
    • Process for private discussions between party and their counsel
      • In Custody:
        • Attorney mutes Webex and conversation occurs privately in the courtroom.
          • Provide the interpreter the attorney’s cell phone number.
        • Attorney, client, and interpreter (if one is needed) are moved to a breakout room in Webex.
      • Out of Custody:
        • Attorney mutes and conversation occurs privately in the attorney’s office.
          • Provide interpreter attorney’s cell phone number and LEP participant’s cell phone if needed i.e. they are not in same location.
        • Attorney, client, and interpreter (if one is needed) are moved to a breakout room in Webex.
  • Footnote:
    • Created: 01/15/2022
    • Published: 04/01/2022

Circuit Court Jury Service During COVID Fact Sheet Attachment: Remote Hearing Checklist for Judges and Attorneys

Note: The below is an example only and was designed to help courts analyze what resources are needed for jury selection. It would need to be reviewed, updated, and formalized before any official use.
Remote Jury Selection Trial Judge Checklist
  • Pre-Selection
    • Scheduling and Calendar Management
      • Schedule time for objections and pre-trial motions prior to trial.
        • Will pre-trial motions be heard in person or remotely?
      • Schedule extra time for selection of jury (one day or more depending on size of jury and case type).
      • Schedule practice, technical, and training sessions if necessary.
        • Interpreter practice (same day as Jury Selection).
        • Attorney practice.
        • Judge, staff, and jury coordinator training.
    • Standards for Remote Jury Selection
      • Determine physical space requirements in the courtroom and location of parties.
        • Location of all the parties including the judge.
        • In custody vs out of custody defendant location.
        • Interpreter location based on party needing interpretation.
      • Communication to local bar, defense attorneys, and district attorney.
      • Who hears the objections e.g. the trial judge or the presiding judge?
      • Should a PJO or specific trial order with rules regarding remote jury selection or whether remote jury selection is mandatory be created?
        • Standards for pre-trial motions.
        • Standards for parties who appear in person or remotely.
        • Standards for in custody versus out of custody appearance for defendants.
        • Standards for appearance such as the same masks requirements and same virtual backgrounds to make sure all parties appear equal.
        • Standards for hearing pre-trial motions.
        • Standards for interjecting with objections or otherwise signifying the desire to speak.
        • Standards on participation by both audio and video means.
      • Should list of standing objections previously ruled on be created as a reference for trial judges and attorneys? (Note: Objections will still need to be raised to be preserved for appeals but may not need a hearing).
      • Preparation of juror documentation.
      • Planning for juror disruptions or interruptions such as lack of attention or ability to participate.
    • Managing Expectations of Attorneys and Parties
      • Communicating length of jury selection or trial.
      • Standards and roles in control of Webex participants.
      • Communicating potential for background environment may be seen and displayed in court.
      • Discussion of potential interpreter issues.
        • Connecting successfully to Webex.
        • Potential delays to allow for adequate interpretation time.
        • Provide Jury instruction – use of an ASL interpreter (UCrJI – 1003).
        • Simultaneous interpretation may not be an option.
      • Discussion of potential technical issues.
        • Inability of a party or potential juror to connect.
        • Connectivity or network issues.
      • If necessary, how communication with the court will occur outside of the presence of the potential jury
      • Verify a method of private attorney client/communication exists.
      • Providing juror lists with names of potential jurors to attorneys and the method of how this list will be provided.
      • Providing juror questionnaires, providing questionnaires to attorneys and the method of how they will be provided remotely to parties.
      • Determine what to use instead of Juror names during the proceedings to comply with HB 2539.
  • During Selection 
    • Viewing potential jurors in Webex during jury selection.
      • Determine the number of potential jurors that should be present in the Webex session.
        • 25 participants can be viewed at once.
        • Verify spot(s) for any interpreter(s) typically 2, pin (move to stage) any ASL interpreter(s) in Webex to a specific spot.
        • Consider pinning the judge or attorney in a specific spot; a total of 6 participants can be pinned.
      • Determine the number of Webex sessions needed for the amount potential jurors that will be necessary for the case.
      • Determining if a specific Webex layout should be dictated:
        • Grid View: displays up to 25 videos in the main screen, all active videos are equal size.
        • Stack View: displays the active speaker in the main screen and up to six additional thumbnail videos above the main screen.
        • Side by Side View: displays the active speaker in the main screen and up to six thumbnail videos to the right of the main screen.
    • Determine processes for discussion and objections without jury present.
      • Creating breakout rooms and if those breakout rooms need to be monitored.
      • Determining which participants needs to be moved to breakout rooms.
      • Verifying staff available to assist moving potential jurors or participants as needed.
    • Technical Process
      • Develop a plan to assist jurors with technical difficulties
      • Verify staff resources are available to help resolve issues.
      • Build in time in the process to resolve issues.
    • Standard Language or Guidelines for Jurors
      • Review the statewide PowerPoint and modify it to fit local procedures.
      • Determine if any additional language or items should be added to fit local requirements.
      • Present PowerPoint to potential jurors.
        • Verify when sharing the PowerPoint that the application is shared and not the screen. This will avoid any email or instant messages being displayed to jurors.
      • Instructions to jurors on not to interact directly with interpreter.
  • Footnote: 
    • Created: 01/15/2022
    • Published: 04/01/2022

Circuit Court Jury Service During COVID Fact Sheet Attachment: Sample Presentation for Remote Jury Selection

Note: The below is an example only and was designed to help courts analyze what resources are needed for jury selection. It would need to be reviewed, updated, and formalized before any official use.
Slide 1: REMOTE JURY SELECTION
  • Welcome to XXX Circuit Court
  • Presenter Notes: This powerpoint is intended to be used before voir dire starts. Update your court name on this slide, the background picture may also be updated to your courthouse picture
Slide 2: A Quick Technical Check
  • Please raise your hand or give a thumbs up to indicate you can see and hear me.
  • Presenter Notes: This is to make sure all the jurors can hear you before you start going over rules.
Slide 3: Traditionally, you would be here.
  • Alt. Text: Photo of chairs in the jury seating area of a courtroom.
  • Presenter Notes: slide and the next is used to talk about remote jury and what should be generally expected.
Slide 4: But now you are at home.
  • Presenter Notes: A slide to transition to technical guidelines and recommendations
Slide 5: Recommendations
  • When using a laptop or desktop, we recommend the layout is set to “stack” or “side by side” view and show the active speaker in stage. This will allow your video to focus on the person speaking.
    • Click the Layout button in the upper right corner of your screen.
    • Choose the Stack or Side by Side layout.
  • Note: This is NOT an option if using a smart phone or tablet.
  • Presenter Notes: If your court prefers the grid view that is defaulted for the juror and this slide can be deleted.
Slide 6: Recommendations
  • It is recommended that you do not see participants without video. This will allow only active participants in the case to be seen.
    • Click the Layout button in the upper right corner of your screen.
    • Turn off Show participants without video.
  • Note: This is not an option for tablet and phone users.
  • Presenter Notes: If an important party is unable to join by video for some reason, the slide may be deleted.
Slide 7: If You Get Disconnected
  • 1. Try to reconnect to Webex immediately. 
  • 2. If you cannot reconnect, call XXX-XXX-XXXX.
  • 3. Take a moment and write down the number and make sure it's accessible.
  • Presenter Notes: Enter the direct number the juror should be called to get assistance, this may be the court tech or the judicial assistant, etc.
Slide 8: 
  • Keep your computer audio on so you can always hear the proceedings.
  • Keep your microphone muted except when called upon.
Slide 9: How to Mute and Unmute
  • Unmuted:
    • Alt. Text: Icon of black microphone with the word "Mute" next to it.
    • This means you can be heard.
  • Muted: 
    • Alt. Text" Icon of red microphone with a slash through it and the word "Unmute" next to it. 
    • This means you cannot be heard. 
  • A shortcut to mute/unmute temporarily is to press and hold the spacebar while speaking.
Slide 10: Remember
  • This is still a court proceeding.
  • While in session, you must give your full, undivided attention to the proceedings.
  • Do not work or do anything else other than provide your full attention to the proceedings.
Slide 11: Remember
  • Court proceedings cannot take place without you.
  • While we are in session, you should not move about your space.
  • You should remain seated and should not leave the screen for any reason.
  • While we are on breaks during the day, you may tend to your personal affairs.
  • If a juror becomes disconnected or leaves the screen, the trial must stop and cannot resume until the juror returns.
Slide 12: 
  • Do not talk to anyone about this case.
  • Do not multi-task.
  • All other devices must be off and no other people around.
  • Do not share the Webex link with anyone.
  • Do not allow others to observe the proceedings over Webex.
  • Do not allow others to sit with you and watch the proceedings on your device.
Slide 13: 
  • Keep your camera on so we can always see you. 
  • Keep your screen on so you can always see the proceedings.
Slide 14: 
  • Don't do any independent research even though you are connected to the internet.
  • Only use the internet to connect to this proceeding.
Slide 15: 
  • Do not record Video
  • Do not record Audio
  • Do not Photograph
  • Do not take Screenshots, Screen Captures, or Screen Grabs
Slide 16: Court Audio and Video Recording
  • The court is making an audio recording of all proceedings in open court which is the official record.
  • A video recording may also be made for training purposes.
  • Any concerns?
Slide 17: Please pay attention to your email for further instructions!
  • This is a placeholder for specific instructions the court wants to include on how jurors will be contacted for multi day or multiple session hearings.
  • Please updated this with your local procedure.
  • Presenter Notes: specific information on how a juror should proceed after selection is complete. You may need additional slides for this information.
Slide 18: Thank you for being a juror for XXXX Circuit Court remote jury selection!
  • Jurors always experience some waiting during trial, but remote service provides some benefits such as; no need to fight traffic or drive long distances, find parking, or wait in security lines before even starting jury service.
  • We appreciate in advance your patience as we work out any technological issues that will inevitably arise – just like unexpected issues arise during in-person trials.
  • Presenter Notes: is a slide for any thank yous or extra information that should be conveyed specific to your court. Update as needed.
Slide 19: Questions?
  • Email: Enter court email
  • Phone: Enter court phone number
  • Presenter Notes: Update contact information

PowerPoint: Jury Service at Local Courts (Updated)

Slide 1: JURY SERVICE AT LOCAL COURTS
  • Associate Judge Tucker Rossetto
  • Beaverton Municipal Court 
  • Alt. Text: Beaverton Oregon
Slide 2: Intro to Local Courts
  • What are “local courts”?
    • City municipal courts and county justice courts that fall outside of the state-funded court system (i.e. OJD: Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Tax Court, and circuit courts).
  • Generally, these courts are smaller and have limited jurisdiction compared to circuit courts.
  • Only 10 local courts are courts of record (unlike circuit courts).
    • Meaning they maintain permanent records of the proceedings within their court, provide a court reporter or audio recording system, have a judge or justice of the peace that is a licensed attorney, and have obtained a certification as a court of record from the Oregon Supreme Court.
    • Like circuit court, appeals from courts of record go to the Court of Appeals; appeals from non courts of record instead go to the local circuit court and are “de novo.” 
Slide 3: Municipal Courts
  • There are 118 municipal courts throughout the state, from Athena to Beaverton to Brookings. 
  • Some are “full-time” (example: Beaverton Municipal Court, open for operations Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with daily court dockets) while others are not (example: Gaston Municipal Court, which meets once every two months).
  • Alt. Text: Photo of the front of the outside of the Beaverton Municipal Court
  • Alt. Text: Photo of the outside of the front of the Gaston Municipal Court
Slide 4: Municipal Court Judges
  • ORS 221.140 provides that “[t]he council of a city…shall appoint a municipal judge and such other officers as it deems necessary for the proper government of the city, who shall be removable at the discretion of the council, receive such compensation as the council approves, and have such powers and duties as the council prescribes.”
  • However, some cities, per their charter, elect municipal court judges:
    • Alt. Text: Section 24. Municipal Court and Judge.
      • 1. The municipal judge shall be an elective officer of the city. The municipal judge shall hold, within the city a court known as the Municipal Court for the City of Salem, Oregon.
  • Per statute, municipal court judges do not need to be a licensed attorney but they must be so in order for the court to be a court of record. If the judge is not an attorney, they must instead complete a course on “courts of special jurisdiction.” (ORS 221.142)
  • Some municipalities do require their judges to be members of the bar.
    • Example: Beaverton City Charter 4.3(b): “All municipal judges must be members in good standing of the bar of the state of Oregon.”
Slide 5: Municipal Courts, Continued
  • Municipal Court Jurisdiction (from ORS 221.339):
    • (1) A municipal court has concurrent jurisdiction with circuit courts and justice courts over all violations committed or triable in the city where the court is located.
      • Alt. Text: A red rectangle encircles the word "violations" in the preceding sentence.
    • (2) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, municipal courts have concurrent jurisdiction with circuit courts and justice courts over misdemeanors committed or triable in the city.
      • Alt. Text: A red rectangle encircles the word "misdemeanors" in the preceding sentence.
    • (3) Municipal courts have no jurisdiction over felonies, designated drug-related misdemeanors…or Class E violations.
      • Alt. Text: A red rectangle encircles the phrase "no jurisdiction over felonies" in the preceding sentence.
  • This jurisdiction covers misdemeanor and violation offenses created both by state statute and city code or ordinance.
  • Unlike circuit courts and justice courts, municipal courts lack civil law jurisdiction.
  • Of the 118 municipal courts in Oregon, only 20-25 exercise criminal jurisdiction.
Slide 6: Justice Courts
  • Justice Court Defined – ORS 51.010:
    • A justice court is a court held by a justice of the peace within the justice of the peace district for which the justice of the peace may be chosen. There are no particular terms of such court, but the same is always open for the transaction of business, according to the mode of proceeding prescribed for it.
  • There are 26 justice courts throughout the state.
  • Alt. Text: Photo of the front of the outside of the Washington County Justice Court
Slide 7: Justice Court Jurisdiction
  • Jurisdiction must be contained within a county’s boundaries and the county can create up to six districts within its boundaries (example: Douglas, Gilliam, and Morrow County each have two districts and thus two justice courts).
  • Douglas County’s two justice courts in Canyonville (left) and Reedsport (right).
  • Alt. Text: Photo of the front of the outside of the South Douglas Justice Court
  • Alt. Text: Photo of the front of the outside of the Douglas County Courthouse Annex
Slide 8: Justice Court Jurisdiction 
  • ORS 51.035 allows intergovernmental agreements between cities and counties in which the justice court can also function as a municipal court for a municipality within its district. For example, Malheur County Justice Court and Ontario and Nyssa Municipal Courts.
  • Pictured: three courts!
    • Alt. Text: Photo of the front of the outside of the Malheur County Justice Court, which is also the Ontario and Nyssa Municipal Courts
Slide 9: Justice Court Jurisdiction  
  • ORS 51.050 – Criminal Jurisdiction
    • (1) …[J]ustice courts have jurisdiction of all offenses committed or triable in their respective counties. The jurisdiction conveyed by this section is concurrent with any jurisdiction that may be exercised by a circuit court or municipal court.
      • Alt. Text: A red rectangle encircles the words "all offenses" in the preceding sentence.
    • (2) In any justice court that has not become a court of record under ORS 51.025, a defendant charged with a misdemeanor shall be notified immediately after entering a plea of not guilty of the right of the defendant to have the matter transferred to the circuit court for the county where the justice court is located. The election shall be made within 10 days after the plea of not guilty is entered, and the justice shall immediately transfer the case to the appropriate court.
    • (3) A justice court does not have jurisdiction over the trial of any felony or a designated drug-related misdemeanor… A justice court does not have jurisdiction over Class E violations. Except as provided in ORS 51.037 (Agreement between city and county for provision of judicial services), a justice court does not have jurisdiction over offenses created by the charter or ordinance of any city.
      • Alt. Text: Red rectangles encircle the words "any felony" and "charter or ordinance of any city" in the preceding sentence.
  • Only six justice courts in Oregon exercise criminal jurisdiction and only five of those hold jury trials (the other will transfer the case to circuit court for trial).
Slide 10: Justice Court Civil Jurisdiction
  • ORS 51.075 – Civil Jurisdiction
    • A justice court has jurisdiction, but not exclusive, of the following actions:
      • (a) For the recovery of money or damages only, when the amount claimed does not exceed $10,000.
      • (b) For the recovery of specific personal property, when the value of the property claimed and the damages for the detention do not exceed $10,000.
      • (c) For the recovery of any penalty or forfeiture, whether given by statute or arising out of contract, not exceeding $10,000.
      • ...
Slide 11: Justices of the Peace (“JPs”)
  • Justices of the Peace
    • Per statute, each district may only have one justice of the peace, who is elected to a six-year term.
    • Like municipal court judges, justices of the peace do not need to be a licensed attorney (although they must be so in order to be a court of record). If they are not an attorney, they must instead complete a course on “courts of special jurisdiction” per ORS 51.240.
    • Justices of the peace are also required to attend or participate in a certain amount of ongoing education (similar to how lawyers must obtain continuing legal education credits).
Slide 12: Differences with Circuit Court
  • Beyond subject matter jurisdiction, largely size and volume.
  • Washington County Circuit Court
    • 17 judges (plus several volunteer pro tem judges)
    • 2025: 
      • 32,788 cases filed (2,541 felonies; 6,923 misdemeanors; 349 violations)
      • 219 jury trials (139 felonies, 72 misdemeanors, 7 civil)
    • 2024: 
      • 31,930 cases filed (2,786 felonies; 5,988 misdemeanors; 589 violations)
      • 208 jury trials (107 felonies, 88 misdemeanors, 12 civil)
  • Beaverton Municipal Court
    • 3 judges
    • 2025:
      • 35,220 cases filed (1,749 misdemeanors; 3,490 parking;  29,913 violations)
      • 5 jury trials
    • 2024: 
      • 27,020 cases filed (1,934 misdemeanors; 4,575 parking; 20,448 violations)
      • 3 jury trials
Slide 13: Local Courts – Trial By Jury
  • In all meaningful ways, local court jury trials are identical to jury trials in circuit court, i.e. criminal defendants have all the same statutory and constitutional rights.
  • ORS 221.354 – Trial by Jury in Criminal Cases:
    • "In all prosecutions for any crime defined and made punishable by any city charter or ordinance the defendant shall have the right of trial by jury, of six in number. Juries shall be selected from the latest tax roll and registration books used at the last city election in the same manner in which juries are selected for circuit courts. The verdict of the jury shall be unanimous.”
  • Ex.: Beaverton City Code, 2.04.031:
    • Alt. Text: 2.04.031 Application of circuit court procedure to municipal proceedings.
      • Except as otherwise provided by this code, by state law or by court rule, trials shall be conducted as trials in circuit courts. The rules of evidence shall be the same as in the state courts and shall include applicable state law regarding the introduction or admission of evidence.
Slide 14: Local Courts – Jury Summons
  • Reminder: less than 30 local courts have jury trials.
  • Unlike OJD, which uses a uniform summons and jury management software across all circuit courts, the summons and jury management process varies from court to court.
  • Example: Beaverton Municipal Court’s Summons Process
    • Every quarter, we obtain a list of 500-600 Beaverton voters from Washington County’s Elections Division.
    • Those who had prior jury service within the last year are automatically removed by our jury management software.
    • Jurors are mailed a letter, informing them they have been selected for the quarter and may be asked to serve on up to two trials that quarter.
    • They are also mailed an eligibility form they need to complete and return (with a preaddressed, stamped envelope) which includes fields for requests for excusal and/or deferral.
Slide 15: Local Courts – Jury Summons
  • Beaverton Municipal Court’s Summons Process, Continued
    • By the court’s General Order, the jury coordinator can excuse a potential juror if they demonstrate they are statutorily ineligible (e.g. were convicted of a felony within the preceding 15 years) or qualify for a mandatory excusal (e.g. 70 years of age or older).
    • All other requests for excusal or deferral are reviewed by a judge.
    • Approximately 30 potential jurors from that pool are then mailed a trial summons with the trial date and time about one month prior to trial along with another questionnaire and the email address for our jury coordinator.
    • The same process regarding requests for excusal or deferral applies.
    • Jurors are given a phone number to call the night before trial to determine if trial is still scheduled (if trial is cancelled or rescheduled with sufficient time, notice is provided in advance).
Slide 16: Local Courts – Jury Summons
  • Of the thirty who get summoned for each trial, typically one to five jurors are excused pretrial upon request and an additional one to five do not appear.
  • Most common requests for excusal:
    • Physical or mental health;
    • Cost or lack of childcare;
    • Need to provide care for a child or other dependent;
    • Cost of missing work;
    • Lack or cost of transportation, and
    • Prescheduled travel or appointment.
  • A unique issue for some smaller jurisdiction: as the geographical boundaries and eligible populations are smaller, it is more likely that potential jurors end up being excused day of trial due to knowledge of or relationship with a party or witness.
Slide 17: Juror Compensation: ORS 10.061-.065
  • Fees Payable to Jurors
    • Circuit courts are required to pay jurors $10 per day for the first two days and then $25 a day for each day thereafter.
    • Local courts are only required to pay $10 per day (but, based on their limited subject matter jurisdiction, e.g. no felonies, it is extremely unlikely that a juror’s service would exceed two days anyways).
  • Mileage Fees and Reimbursement
    • Per statute, local court mileage compensation is only eight cents per mile as opposed to 20 cents per mile for circuit court.
    • The State Court Administrator may reimburse circuit court jurors for extraordinary expenses (public transportation, dependent care, etc.).
    • Cities and counties may provide by ordinance for additional juror fees or reimbursement for mileage and other expenses (example: Beaverton pays a set amount of $3.00 for mileage).