The province of British Columbia is piloting a Web-based system called eResponse, that offers potential jurors a choice to respond to summonses electronically.
Potential jurors are selected at random from the provincial voters list and a paper summons is then sent to the chosen citizen. Those who are participating in the pilot project will be able to use the Web to select if they can participate in the jury selection process. This option is an alternative to the usual mail-in response, or having to go to the local courthouse in person.
Attorney General Michael de Jong, QC, said the new system will help reduce costs for B.C. and will help free up time.
“By making it possible to respond to summonses online, we are enabling British Columbians to contact the sheriff service from their homes, in any corner of the province, at any time of day,” he said.
As soon as the pilot project is complete, eResponse will become available throughout the province for both criminal and civil trials.
