From November 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014 , the Third Judicial Circuit Court has called in and expected 78,639 jurors to report for jury service; 46% did not obey the summons and failed to appear for jury service.

Jury service may not be as attractive as portrayed in John Grisham's novel, Runaway Jury, but it is a civic duty.  Failing to answer and return the Jury Service Questionnaire and failing to appear when summoned as a juror without being excused are punishable acts of contempt.

On October 1, 2014 , Jurors who failed to appear may find a court order from the Third Circuit Court in their mailboxes.  This order, the Order to Show Cause, directs the juror to appear  on October 30, 2014  at an appointed time before Chief Judge Robert J. Colombo, Jr. 

"Jury service is to protect the rights of a defendant in a criminal case and the parties in a civil case from an overzealous prosecutor or lawyer and the bias of a judge," explained Judged Colombo.  "It is the purest form of government because jurors are not subject to political considerations or contributions, but rather decide the case based upon the evidence. Jurors represent the conscience and thinking of the community. It is a service that should command the pride and pleasure on every citizen and should not be avoided."

Those jurors who run and fail to appear for the October 30th hearing face the risk of a bench warrant being issued for their arrest, fines, and penalties allowed under the law.