Court Jury Clerk

Beginning June 19th, 2020, Eaton County Trial Courts will be closed Fridays through October 2nd, 2020.


2020-11 Court Closing Due to County Fiscal Emergency 

The Eaton County Trial Courts will operate on a modified schedule for conducting in-person proceedings limited to essential functions between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily.  Those requiring to conduct business with the Court are encouraged to contact the Court prior to arriving at the Courthouse to confirm their need to appear. 

Facial covering must be worn while in enclosed public areas, unless an individual is medically unable to tolerate a face covering.

ATTENTION: In response to the health risks posed by the corona virus outbreak and upon recommendations from the State Court Administrators office Eaton County is not holding jury trials until further notice.


Please see the attached Michigan Supreme Court order:

MI Supreme Court Delay of Jury Trials 2020-08

Welcome to the Eaton County Court Jury Clerk. Your Circuit, Probate, and District Court Judges wish to thank you and all jurors for giving generously of your time and for taking jury duty seriously.

Jury Administration/Selection

At the beginning  of each quarter the jury board looks over the list of random names supplied by the Secretary of State Driver’s License and State ID. Then the Jury Clerk sends questionnaires to potential jurors residing in Eaton County.  The Jury Clerk screens these questionnaires and prepares them for final review and qualification. Prospective Jurors who fail to return a questionnaire will receive follow-up letters from the Clerk and, if you still fail to return your questionnaire you will then receive a show cause notice and will go in front of the Judge.  

After qualification, the Jury Clerk coordinates the drawing of panels for the Circuit, District, and Probate Courts. If selected, qualified jurors are summoned to appear. Any questions or concerns about service should be addressed to the jury clerk. 

Get Involved

Without you, the jury system can not work. We know that jury service means rearranging schedules, canceling appointments, and even missing work, however your role as a juror is vital under our judicial system.

Entering the Courthouse

If you are serving as a juror, please keep in mind that because of security reasons jury members will not be able to enter the courthouse prior to business hours. The courthouse is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please arrive at the courthouse at the appropriate time so you are not locked outside prior to the courthouse opening.

Qualifications to Serve as a Juror

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • You must speak and understand the English language.
  • You must be a resident of Eaton County.
  • You must be 18 years of age or older.
  • You must no longer be attending high school.
  • You must not have been convicted of a felony.

Deferring Jury Duty

In the State of Michigan, everyone who meets the qualifications is eligible for jury duty. The courts are happy to work with you on any scheduling problems or conditions you may have that would make your attendance impossible. 

Please email Kathleen Lawrence, the Jury Clerk, or call 517-543-4318 as soon as possible in order to discuss scheduling. Do not wait until the day your group is called.