Reno County District Court-Bailiff

Bailiffs will complete tasks prior to the arrival of jury pool:

a Check jury room for contraband such as newspapers, stray or left over notes, etc

b Start coffee and check water

c Get key to jury room

d Check restrooms for supplies

e Get water for attorney tables and Judge

f Replace batteries in microphones and turn them on

g Set up extra chairs for voir dire process if needed

When the Judge orders, call in jury panel to rear of courtroom. Remind potential jurors to silence their phones and remove their hats.

1 Jury roll call by Clerk (assist as needed)

2 Orientation by Judge

3 Voir dire (questioning of jury) could be 1 or 2 panels

4 Selection of jury (jury will not be present while selection is made)

5 Opening statement by State

6 Opening statement by Defense

7 Evidence and testimony by State

8 State will rest after presenting all evidence and witnesses

9 Evidence and testimony by Defense

10 Defense will rest after presenting all evidence and witnesses

11 Rebuttal witnesses by State then Defense

12 Both State and Defense will argue jury instructions

13 Judge will read instructions to jury

14 Closing statement by State

15 Closing statement by Defense

16 Final closing statement by State

17 While closing statements are being given, set up jury room with paper, pens, and snacks.

18 After closing statements, take instructions, evidence, and jury to jury room. At this point jurors are not to leave room unless ordered by Judge. Door is locked and phones are collected. All communication is through the bell system and in writing signed by the presiding juror.

19 Never let the jurors tell you how they are divided or answer questions regarding the case

20 Once verdict is reached verify

Qualifications:

Citizen of Reno County, good people person, good sense of public service, authoritative, no special educational background. Juries usually start on Tuesdays and last 1 - 3 days at any given week during the year. Two divisions of court.