Summoned for duty? Computers may be option

By DARCIE MORAN
Capital News Service
LANSING — Jury selection might become slightly less tedious for jurors and some courts thanks to a change in rules by the Michigan Supreme Court. The recent amendment allows personal history jury questionnaires to be completed, returned and maintained electronically, effective May 1. Previously court rule stated the questionnaire had to be completed in handwriting by the prospective juror. Paper is still permitted. Personal history questionnaires are used to select jurors for a specific trial while qualification questionnaires are initially sent to determine eligibility to act as a juror, said Marcia McBrien, Michigan Supreme Court public information officer.