I didn't realize magistrate courts had juries until I recieved a letter that I was summoned for the North Area Small Claims Court. No one wants jury duty, but it sure beats being the person who is taken to court. Unlike circuit court, you only receive about two weeks notice of your summons. The summons notice had a number to call the day before to see if court was cancelled, and when I called, the recording was cancelling a case from December 2018.
Since I had no restrictions or exemptions, I arrived at magistrate court before the 9 AM deadline on the date of my summons. The building itself is nice with ample free parking. You have to go through security, but they were nice and directed me to the magistrate's court area.
Once I walked back there, some other jurors and I saw a dry-erase sign that our case was not going forward. While I really wish the recording had been up to date, I'm glad the conflict was resolved outside of court. Thankfully, it didn't take up too much time from my day and I just went back to work as usual. I do wish the recording was up-to-date as that would have saved me a 30 min round trip drive.
If you have jury duty here, give yourself time to arrive, park, go through security, and find the area. The only places immediately close by for food are East Bay Deli and some fast food places, so it's pretty no-frills. read more