WANTED: South Bay juror scofflaws

The Los Angeles Superior Court's delinquent juror round-up show is once again stopping in the South Bay. Starting this Friday, and for the following three Fridays, citizens who did not respond to their last three juror summons are expected to appear before Torrance Superior Court Judge Alan Honeycutt to explain themselves.

Chances are, for those who appear, they'll be slapped with a fine (it can be up to $1,500 but is usually $200) and Honeycutt will set a new jury duty report date.

"Sanctions are a last resort, but even at that late date, monetary sanctions may not be imposed if a person agrees to serve," said Presiding Judge Charles McCoy Jr. "The court's priority is having the people cooperate with us to ensure that jury service is shared by all elgible citizens in Los Angeles County, as mandated by the Legislature."

McCoy added: "The court has no interest whatsoever in using these sanctions as a source of money."

Failure to respond to the order to appear can only make things worse.

When the court established its One Trial Jury Service (formerly One Day, One Trial) in 1999, the need for available citizens to sit in judgement of others rose. Under the program, citizens need only be present at the courthouse for a single day or one trial. Those not a prospective juror or a seated panelist by the end of the first day are excused for a year.

For more information about jury duty, visit the court's Web site.