Hearing set for 13 prospective jurors

Thirteen people will be required to attend a show-cause hearing after not appearing Wednesday in accordance with their jury summons from St. Joseph County Circuit Court.
The Jan. 8 hearing is meant to send a message that prospective jurors take seriously their obligation to the court system, according to Kathy Griffin, circuit/probate courts administrator.
A trial related to a case of criminal sexual conduct was scheduled to take place Wednesday. The lack of enough jurors, however, resulted in a mistrial and subsequent delay in the case.
Griffin said the penalty for failure to appear for jury duty can result in a charge of contempt of court and is punishable by jail time and a fine.
She said about 6,000 people are drawn annually for prospective jury duty.
Seventeen people were subject to a show-cause hearing in November.