In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
Juror Conduct
In the courtroom:
If your name is called as being a member of a trial panel, you and other members of the panel will be assigned to a courtroom. You will be instructed where to report and asked to wait in the lobby for instructions from the bailiff.
Generally, you will be permitted to return home at the close of the day's session in court. If an emergency arises while you are sitting as a juror, consult the bailiff or judge about your problem. Should you need to get in touch with your family or employer, the bailiff will be happy to assist you.
In the jury room:
Upon retiring to the jury room to deliberate, the jury selects a foreperson. It is the foreperson's duty to act as the presiding officer, to see that the deliberations are conducted in an orderly fashion, and to see that the issues submitted for the consideration by the jury are fully and fairly discussed and that every juror has a chance to say what they think about every question. When ballots or votes should be taken, the foreperson should see that this is done. The foreperson should sign any written request made of the judge. A good foreperson can keep the discussion organized, save time and get efficient results.
Every juror should listen carefully to the views of the other members of the jury and consider them with an open mind.
Your final vote should represent your own opinion based on the evidence admitted in the case. As a result of the discussion with fellow jurors, your opinion may have changed from that which you first held. You should not hesitate to change your mind. When differences of opinion arise, you should say what you think and why you think it. You must not try to force another juror to agree with you nor should you refuse to listen to the arguments and opinions of the others. You must never shirk your responsibility and must never permit any decision to be reached by chance or toss of a coin.
If there is any disagreement or confusion as to the instructions of the judge, or as to their meaning, the jury (through its foreperson) can ask the bailiff for further instructions or assistance from the judge.