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1 day, 1 trial in Doylestown

A refresher on jury duty in Bucks County

    by Bill Reed
    Published 

  1. The 1 day/1 trial system means you serve for one day or the length of one trial. The average trial runs 2 days once testimony starts.

  2. Whether you enter several courtrooms or stay in the jury lounge all day (8:30 to 4:30), you're done for three years once you are excused. But, if you are excused from one case, you still must complete your day.

  3. You must go through airport-like security on entering the courthouse (empty all pockets, take off your belt, but keep your shoes on). However, you may bring in food and drink and may eat in the jurors lounge or a nearby courtyard.

  4. Parking is free in a garage an uphill, two-block walk away at.

  5. How did you get picked? At random off lists such as those of registered voters and licensed drivers.

  6. Jurors serve on two types of trials: civil and criminal. In civil trials, jurors determine liability and compensation, with agreement by 10 of the 12 jurors needed for a decision. In civil trials, the decision must be unanimous.

  7. Lunch break is at least one hour, and you may go out or order delivery.

  8. Today, the lounge is nearly full with about 80 jurors.

  9. All cases on each day's case list must be taken care of before we may leave. There are about 75 cases on today's list -- a typical case load, which can reach about 130 cases on some days.