Hennepin Co. Calls on More Jurors Due to H1N1

Every week, hundreds of people descend on the Hennepin County Government Center to serve on jury duty. But more people will be fulfilling their civic responsibility because of H1N1.

Chief Judge James Swenson says Hennepin County is sending out 20 percent more summons for jury duty to make sure attorneys have a large enough jury pool to choose from.

The 4th judicial district is also recommending that judges seat two alternate jurors instead of one for most trials and up to three or four for long criminal trials, in case any jury members come down with the H1N1 flu.

Even though about 100 more people a week are being called for jury duty, court officials say the extra potential jurors are basically on standby, which means they don't have to report to the jury room and don't get paid unless they're needed.

So far H1N1 hasn't delayed any trials or caused any major disruptions for Hennepin County Court calendar, but Judge Swenson says it's important to make sure the wheels of justice keep moving no matter what.

"We're prepared to do the best we can give what cards we're dealt and we don't know what those are going to be," said Swenson.