FortBendNow.com

Fort Bend County residents called for jury duty on May 5 do not have to appear for possible jury service.

240th District Court Judge Thomas R. Culver has asked the district clerk’s office to notify all people called for jury duty not to appear due to the recent swine flu outbreak.

Culver, who also serves as administrative judge and Fort Bend County jury management judge, said those who were called will receive a new jury summons for a future date.

“Due to the apparent progression of H1N1 (swine) influenza infections throughout various sections of Fort Bend County, the risk of exposure within such a large gathering of citizens in the jury assembly room has to be acknowledged”, Culver said.

Currently, eight of the 10 trial courts in Fort Bend County have jury trials scheduled for next Tuesday.  Culver stressed that, at this time, no court dockets for the coming week have been canceled.

Whether or not a given court’s docket is postponed next week is a decision that will be made by the judge of that specific court.  All attorneys and litigants are required to be present, unless notified otherwise by the judge of their assigned court.

As the week develops, any need for future postponements will be assessed on a daily basis. Should additional postponements be necessary, Culver will give those notices as soon as practicable. 

“Obviously, the public safety is paramount as we monitor this health issue,” Culver said.