Bolivar County Circuit Clerk Official Newsletter | |
INTRODUCTION OF CIRCUIT CLERK
Hello. My name is Judith Thompson. I am the Circuit Clerk for Bolivar County. Since being passed the torch from my mentor, former County Clerk Marilyn Kelly, and then subsequently winning the election last year, my team and I have enjoyed helping constituents, learning to effectively work together, and becoming a family of professionals who get the job done. While serving in the United States Army in my early years, I gained a decorated career of service for my country. My dedication to people didn’t stop there; I’m now committed to Bolivar County and its citizens. I’m hoping our Newsletter will provide the information you need to be better informed about the Jury Duty Civic Role.
JURY DUTY: A CIVIC ROLE FOR JUSTICE
Oftentimes, many of you are called upon to serve on a jury. Jurors are referred to as “Officers of the Court.” As a juror, your role is as important, and perhaps more important, than the presiding judge. Serving on a jury is not only an important responsibility, but it is also an interesting and rewarding experience. Jury Duty is service to your community, and this is what actually makes our legal system, in my opinion, the best in the world. It’s also the law. Believe me, the court and I recognize the impact a jury summons has on your life, and we do all that we can to ensure your jury service is as easy and convenient as possible. As the Circuit Clerk for Bolivar County, I will continue to make sure that is the case as we continue to serve the constituents of Bolivar County.
IMPORTANT PROTOCOLS FOR DUTY
Please be informed that the exact starting time for certain trials are not always determined until shortly before the trial starts. So, if your summons says to call before coming to the courthouse, you must do so at the time stated. If you call earlier, you may be calling before the final decision is made and may have to call back again later. You can avoid an unnecessary trip to the courthouse if you call at the proper time so you can receive the correct time to report.
HOW TO AVOID VIOLATIONS
During the trial, you should follow the judge's instructions as to your conduct and listen to the evidence. The judge will always instruct all jurors about any special rules that need to be followed. We understand that at times, jurors experience urgent situations and matters out of their control. However, the court urges individuals to always stay in contact with the Circuit Clerk in order to avoid any contempt of court or violation of law.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you feel you may have received a jury summons in error (incorrect address, recently moved from the county, deceased family member, etc.), please contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office in order to update our jury database. Citizens can learn more about Jury Duty and the court process in Bolivar County by going to our website. Click the site and learn more about what duties the team and I perform: www.bolivar-circuit-clerk.ms/. Also, check out our Facebook Page by CLICK HERE (and share with as many friends and family in Bolivar County as you can). Our goal is to ensure more people are informed and engaged in the process. Thanks for your engagement, and if you need to reach out to us please call the Cleveland Office at (662) 843-2061 or the Rosedale Office at (662) 759-6521. We look forward to serving you in the future!!!
|
|
BOLIVAR COUNTY FACTS
Many don’t know that Bolivar County is divided into two judicial districts, the line of division running north and south. Rosedale, situated on the Mississippi River, is the county seat of the first district, and Cleveland, situated on the main line of the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad, is the county seat of the second district. The Eleventh District Circuit Court Judges who preside in the Bolivar County Circuit Court are the Honorable Charles Webster (Senior Judge), the Honorable Linda F. Coleman, and the Honorable W. Hunter Nowell.
| | | | |