Monday, July 10, 2006

New Juror Questionnaire

Beginning July 5, people reporting for jury duty in Massachusetts are now required to fill out a more detailed questionnaire. A series of yes-no questions replace formerly more open-ended questions, but the form is still just a single page. Questions include: Have you or anyone in your household or family ever had any of the following experiences with the law? (Please check all that apply): Been arrested? Been charged with a crime? Been convicted of a crime? Been a crime victim? Been sued? Filed a lawsuit? Been a witness in a civil/criminal case? Been seated on a jury? Been served with a court order? Sought a court order (restraining order, stay-away order, injunction, etc.?). In the demographic section, a status of "domestic partner" has been added to the traditional married, divorced, single, etc.