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FAQs

  • DO I NEED ANY EQUIPMENT OR SOFTWARE TO READ THE REALTIME TRANSCRIPT?

    Yes. In order to receive an electronic realtime feed while in the courtroom, each requesting party will need to provide a computer, and any one of several receive programs, to be able to receive the realtime feed.

  • CAN A REPORTER WHO IS NOT REALTIME CERTIFIED WRITE REALTIME FOR MY CASE?

    While it is possible, all reporters working for the Northern District of Ohio are realtime certified.

  • MAY I USE THE UNCERTIFIED TRANSCRIPT FOR CROSS-EXAMINATION OR TO IMPEACH A WITNESS?

    Lawyers for the parties may not quote from the realtime transcript under any circumstances. The realtime transcript has many uses, however, including preparing for the next day of trial, preparing expert witnesses, and reminding witnesses about previous testimony they have given, without directly quoting from the transcript. No unedited realtime transcript can be filed or quoted.

  • CAN I BRING A CELL PHONE OR LAPTOP INTO THE COURTHOUSE?

    Cell phones are permitted in the courthouse; however, they must be turned off while in court unless otherwise directed by the courtroom deputy. Cameras and recording devices are not allowed in the courthouse. Desktop computer workstations with internet access are available in the Jury Assembly Area. Additionally, wireless internet is available for jurors to use on their own wireless-enabled devices, such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops.”

  • WHAT IS PROPER COURT ATTIRE?

    When appearing at the courthouse for jury service, you are expected to conduct yourself with reserve and courtesy. Please do not wear jeans, sandals, sneakers or t-shirts, as to preserve the dignity of the Court.

  • HOW WAS MY NAME SELECTED?

    Your name was randomly selected from either the general election voter registration lists, the State of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles driver's list, or the State of Ohio I.D. list. You were then mailed a qualification questionnaire to complete. On the basis of your answers to the questions on that form, you were found to be qualified to serve and were again randomly selected to be summoned as a prospective juror.

  • HOW LONG WILL I SERVE?

    Prospective Petit jurors are subject to be called in for service for a period of no longer than 30 days or service on one trial, absent exceptional circumstances. An average trial lasts three to five days, but some may be longer. Court is usually in session from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    If you are summoned for Grand Jury selection, the selection process will take one day. If you are selected to serve on a Grand Jury panel, you will serve approximately one to three days every month for an 18 month period.

  • WHEN SHOULD I REPORT FOR JURY DUTY?

    You will receive a "Notice to Report" instructing you to report on a certain day and time. The date on the Notice to Report that you receive will begin your 30-day service term. The Notice to Report will have instructions about calling our automated message system before reporting. Sometimes the trial for which you have been called will settle or be rescheduled. When this occurs, you will hear a recorded message to either not report or report on a different date with further instructions. On some occasions, you may recieve a telephone or email message from the jury department with reporting instructions.

  • HOW DO I GET TO THE COURT HOUSE?

    Please see the Contact and Reporting Information Page for Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, or Youngstown

  • WHERE DO I REPORT FOR JURY DUTY?

    Please see the Contact and Reporting Information Page for Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, or Youngstown

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