COLUMBIA, Mo. - Boone County is rolling out a new jury system, and Callaway County isn't far behind.
The new "Show-Me Jury," or "eJuror," allows potential jurors to fill out a questionnaire and update their information online. With this new system, those who have been summoned for jury services may receive notifications through a text or email.
The first jurors affected by this will receive a jury notice from the court in the mail starting Wednesday. Show-Me Jury is available at https://www.courts.mo.gov/ejuror/.
"This new system will allow jurors to more easily interact with the court, while maintaining confidentiality," Jury Supervisor Gloria Schaefer said. "The court as a whole has moved into an electronic system. This is a more efficient way for everyone to interact with the court. We have a computer available at the courthouse for anyone who needs to fill out the form online, and we will work with those who need additional assistance."
Potential jurors will continue to receive a jury notice in the mail from the court, directing them to go online to fill out the qualification form and questionnaire. If they choose to provide additional contact information, they may obtain future contact electronically.
If jurors believe they are not qualified to serve under Missouri law, they can submit documentation online. For example, if someone has moved to another state, he can electronically submit a copy of his driver's license as proof.
As the capability of this program grows, it is anticipated jurors who provide electronic contact information will be able to receive email or text alerts about whether they need to report for service. Currently, jurors need to call the court's automated phone message or look on the court's website to determine if their service is no longer required, as the only contact information the court has is their home address.
"Jurors will be able to seek information from us in a manner that best fits their needs and soon information can be updated more quickly should a plea occur, or if we have bad weather," Schaefer said.
The new system was piloted last year in St. Louis City and Jackson County and will be rolled out to additional courts this year. Callaway County is scheduled to be on the new system starting April 9.
The court also reminds the public that they should be aware of jury scams where someone calls and says you owe money for not appearing for jury service. Even with this new system, the court will not call you for confidential information and will never call asking for money for a fine.
Court officials in Cole County said the system is tentatively scheduled to go online there in August.