Elevating Kane County Jury Service: Exciting New Technology Enhancements for Local Jurors

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about jury service enhancements to make your time in our courtrooms smoother and more efficient than ever. The Office of the Jury Commission, responsible for preparing the general jury list, summoning, selecting, and verifying potential jurors, has recently implemented a state-of-the-art juror management system called Genesis. This modern, web-based platform elevates how Kane County jurors interact with the jury system, providing flexibility through phone, online portal, and chat features.

Genesis also has a feature called Weather Occurrence, which allows for an immediate blast to our incoming jurors in the event of inclement weather or​ a building shutdown.

In 2024 alone, 15,450 jurors were summoned for jury duty, with 8​ civil jury trials conducted at the Kane County Courthouse and 60 jury trials at the Kane County Judicial Center.​​

Why Does Jury Service Matter?​​

​​Jury service is not just a legal obligation; it's a fundamental right guaranteed by the United States Constitution. Every citizen—irrespective of race, religion, or background—has the right to a fair trial by an impartial jury of peers. By serving, you ensure this vital part of our democracy works smoothly.

How Are Jurors Selected?​

In Kane County, the names for jury duty are randomly chosen from a combined list of registered voters, Illinois driver's license holders aged 18 and older, holders of Illinois Disabled Persons Identification Cards, and those with Illinois Identification Cards or claimants for unemployment insurance. This random selection process ensures that every citizen has an equal chance to serve, regardless of personal background​​.

If You Receive a Jury Qualification Questionnaire

You will receive a unique six-digit Juror ID Number and a five-digit Electronic Signature Number​ on the front upper left-​hand corner of the postcard to log into the Genesis Jury System portal​ ​and submit your information online. If you have questions, a chat feature is​​​ available in the portal.​​​

If You Receive a Summons for Jury Service Postcard in the Mail

To check the status of your reporting time and date, you will need your six-digit Juror ID Number and your five-digit Electronic Signature Number​​​ on the front upper left-hand corner of the postcard to log into the Genesis Jury System portal. If you have questions, a chat feature is available in the portal.

What To Expect on Your Day of Jury Duty

​On your service day, you'll report to the Kane County Courthouse OR the Kane County Judicial Center, where you'll potentially become part of a jury panel. You can expect on your day of jury duty:

• Check-In: Arrive on time and check-in. Dress comfortably but appropriately—think business casual.
• Voir Dire: The judge and lawyers ask questions to determine if you can be fair and impartial.
• Waiting Time: There may be waiting involved, so bring a book or something to keep you occupied. Vending machines are available, too.
• Selection or Release: Depending on the needs of the court, you could be selected for a trial or excused for the day, usually no later than 4:30 p.m.

Duration and Types of Trials

If selected, trials typically last between two to three days, although some cases may vary. In Kane County, jurors may be involved in either criminal trials, where the guilt of a defendant is assessed, or civil cases, which often revolve around compensation for damages.

Compensation and Employer Policies

Jurors receive $10.00 for each day of service plus mileage reimbursement. Know your rights—Illinois law prohibits employers from firing or discriminating against you for fulfilling your jury duty.

What If You Can't Serve or Can't Attend?

Understandably, ​some may find it difficult to serve as a juror. If you have a permanent disability, for instance, you can request to have your name removed from the list, but you'll need to provide verification of your condition to the Jury Commission Office at (630) 232-3466.

If you​​ can't attend on your scheduled date, you can request a postponement. Just ​contact the Jury Commission Office at (630) 232-3466 and they may allow you to reschedule for a more convenient date within 90 days.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you have any queries or concerns about jury service or how to navigate the Genesis system, don't hesitate to reach out to the Jury Commission Office at (630) 232-3466. The staff can provide clarity and assist you with your jury service needs.

To read more about serving on a jury in Kane County, read our Frequently Asked Questions​.

Remember, your participation in jury duty is not just a responsibility but an opportunity to contribute to the fairness and impartiality of our 16th Judicial Circuit system. Happy serving!