Massachusetts Jury Commissioner's Office - Boston, MA

Office of Jury Commissioner (OJC)

Mission and Responsibilities

The Massachusetts Office of Jury Commissioner (OJC) is the state agency responsible for managing the random selection, summoning, and impanelment of jurors for the Commonwealth's judicial system. Operating under the supervision of the Supreme Judicial Court, the OJC ensures that the jury pool is representative of the community, adhering to the legal standard of a "fair cross-section" of the population. This office administers the acclaimed One Day or One Trial system, which was pioneered in Massachusetts to make jury service more convenient and efficient for citizens. The OJC oversees the master juror list, processes disqualifications and hardships, and enforces compliance with jury summonses to uphold the integrity of the legal process.

Juror Services and Support

• Summons Management: Processing responses, confirmations, and postponements for thousands of jurors weekly.
• Hardship and Disqualification: Reviewing requests for excusal based on medical issues, age (over 70), or financial hardship.
• Juror Orientation: Providing educational materials and videos to prepare citizens for their service.
• Legal Compliance: Enforcing Chapter 234A of the General Laws, including the prosecution of delinquent jurors who fail to appear.
• Accessibility: Ensuring that the jury system remains accessible to all eligible citizens, including those with disabilities.

Location and Public Access

The OJC is headquartered at 560 Harrison Avenue in the SoWa Art and Design District of Boston's South End. This administrative office handles the logistical backbone of the jury system rather than hosting trials itself. Citizens visiting the office may need to resolve complex scheduling issues or provide documentation for disqualification. The location is distinct from the various courthouses (such as the Suffolk Superior Court or Moakley Federal Courthouse) where jurors actually report for service. The building is a standard business facility, but visitors should expect professional security protocols.

Key Information for Citizens

Jury service in Massachusetts is mandatory for eligible U.S. citizens who are residents of the state. The "One Day or One Trial" policy guarantees that jurors will complete their service in a single day unless they are impaneled on a trial. Employers are required by law to pay employees for the first three days of jury service, and the state provides compensation for subsequent days. The OJC also maintains a Legal Help Line and online portal to assist jurors with common questions regarding dress codes, reimbursement, and employer conflicts.