A number of people will be in the courtroom in addition to the judge and jury. The list below explains who they are and what they may be doing.
Plaintiff - In a civil case, the plaintiff is the party who initiates the lawsuit by bringing the case to court.
Defendant - In a civil matter, the defendant is the party who is being sued. In a criminal case, the defendant is a person who has been charged with a crime.
Attorneys or Counsel - In certain cases, including criminal cases, attorneys representing the plaintiff, the defendant or the government are referred to as counsel. An attorney representing the government in a criminal case is called the prosecuting attorney.
Court Reporter - The court reporter records the official record of the trial by recording every word which is spoken. This record will be converted into an official transcript of the trial.
Court Security Officer - The court security officer keeps order, maintains the security of the court, and assists the judge and the jury as needed.
Witnesses - Witnesses provide testimony, under oath, as to what they have seen, heard or otherwise observed regarding the case.
Interpreter - Interpreters, under oath, provide language interpretation for the court on behalf of a non-English speaking or hearing impaired party or witness.
Spectators - Spectators are members of the public who are generally permitted to observe court proceedings. Often spectators include representatives of the media.
The jury rules do allow for a deferment of your service. The request must be made in writing through our online deferment/excuse forms available at http://ijuror.lakecountyin.org or faxed or emailed or via your appearance in person. The fax number is (219) 755-3004. The email address is JURYDUTY@LAKECOUNTYIN.ORG Only one postponement will be granted, normally for a period of 2 weeks to 6 months.
Lake County provides .40 cents per mile for each round trip made to the juror’s court location as reimbursement for transportation costs. There is no need to keep track of your mileage.
Prospective jurors are randomly selected from a combined list including Department of Revenue and Bureau of Motor Vehicles information. Throughout the year, prospective jurors are selected randomly and sent a juror qualification questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed by the prospective juror. Those individuals who "qualify" for service - a US citizen and county resident; at least 18 years of age; who are able to understand and communicate in English; are not suffering from a physical or mental disability or under a guardianship because of mental incapacity; have not had their rights revoked due a felony conviction and are not a law enforcement officer (criminal trials only) must report for service as summoned.
On July 1, 2006, juror exemptions were eliminated statewide. This means that no automatic exemptions are available by statute. All jurors must respond to the court as to why they cannot serve and the determination as to defer a juror's service now falls completely on the Court.
2293 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: 219-755-3494 Fax: 219-755-3004