Opinion ID: 1959192
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Jury Selection Procedure

Text: Appellant alleges that the procedure employed by the Jefferson County courts in summoning prospective jurors constitutes a substantial deviation from the procedures set forth in the Administrative Procedures for the Court of Justice and in KRS 29A. Appellant initially complained that the Jefferson County court did not require that the juror qualification form be returned within 10 days and that those failing to return the form be personally served by the sheriff. However, the applicable rule states that the form may also be returned at such other times as may be specified in the summons. See. Administrative Procedures for the Court of Justice, Part II, Section 6(2). The jurors in this case were instructed to bring the qualification form with them on the day they reported. The procedure for return of the form was in compliance with the rule. This Court has made it clear that it will not consider minor errors in jury selection reversible unless some prejudice is demonstrated. Robertson v. Commonwealth, 597 S.W.2d 864 (Ky.1980). The question then is whether the failure to have the jurors who failed to respond to the summons personally served by the sheriff is a substantial deviation from the proper administrative procedure. Under KRS 29A.060(4), personal service is permissive. It is mandatory under Administrative Procedures for the Court of Justice, Part II, Section 6(2). The concern under either procedure, however, is to ensure that the court has enough jurors  present to conduct the business of the court. In this case, 700 summons were sent in order to obtain at least 120 prospective jurors. Had there been an insufficient number of jurors, the court could have ordered service under Administrative Procedures for the Court of Justice, Part II, Section 7(4). There was a sufficient number of jurors and the randomness of the jury pool was unaffected. There was no prejudice to Appellant. Therefore, under Robertson , this Court finds no error.