[Austin, TX] – February 26, 2015 – The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, recognized I-Jury™, the first ever online Jury Impaneling program, as part of the 2015 Bright Ideas program. I-Jury™ was conceived by the Travis County District Clerk under the administration of Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza over a decade ago and developed in collaboration with the County's Information Technology Department.
According to the Ash Center, Travis County's I-Jury™ was chosen for the Bright Idea award because of its use of technology to increase efficiency and improve service for constituents. I-Jury allows summoned jurors to answer qualifying questions, screen for exemptions, and request deferrals using an online system, preventing unnecessary courtroom visits and reducing work absences and life disruptions.
Velva L. Price, current Travis County District Clerk, stated, "I am pleased by the recognition that I-Jury™ continues to receive as an innovative program that serves the needs of Travis County jurors. Since the start of I-Jury™, potential jurors have used the on-line service to quickly and efficiently register for jury duty. I-Jury™ has saved numerous hours of both the public and District Clerk employees.
This is one of the most successful programs ever introduced by the Travis County District Clerk's office. After 12 years, 95% of all potential jurors register on line. Instead of driving to and from an impanelling location, potential jurors can complete online registration in about 15 minutes.
Everyone who has been involved in this project is proud of the recognition that it has received."
For more information, contact Nancy Tripp, Manager of the Travis County Jury Office at 512-854-6403 or at [email protected]
