Questionnaire vs. Summons: How to Explain the Difference (and Cut Inbound Calls)

If you work in jury administration, you’ve heard these calls:

• “I filled out the questionnaire. Do I still need to come in?”

• “I never got a summons, but the website told me to respond.”

• “Am I in trouble if I don’t report?”

This confusion is one of the top drivers of inbound calls to jury offices—and it’s completely preventable.

The problem isn’t jurors.
It’s language.

Courts use two different steps in the jury process—the questionnaire and the summons—but many jurors don’t understand the difference. When those steps aren’t explained in plain language, people panic, call, or fail to appear.

This article breaks down:

• The difference between a questionnaire and a summons

• Why jurors get confused

• How to explain it clearly

• Copy-and-paste language you can use today

• How technology can help prevent confusion before it starts

First: The Simple Explanation (Use This Everywhere)

If you take nothing else from this article, take this:

The questionnaire decides if someone is eligible to serve.
The summons tells them when and where to report.

That’s it.

Most courts never say this directly—and that’s where confusion starts.

What a Jury Questionnaire Is (Plain Language)

A jury questionnaire is not an order to report.

It is:

• A screening step

• A way to confirm eligibility

• A request for basic information

In plain terms, the questionnaire answers one question:

“Can this person serve as a juror if needed?”

Common juror assumptions:

• “I filled this out, so I’m already summoned.”

• “If I don’t respond, I’ll get in trouble.”

• “I need to show up now.”

None of those are true.

What a Jury Summons Is (Plain Language)

A jury summons is the official instruction to report for jury service.

It tells the juror:

• If they are needed

• When to report

• Where to go

• How to check their status

In plain terms, the summons answers:

“You are needed. Here’s what to do next.”

No summons = no reporting requirement.

Why Jurors Get Confused

Jurors are not experts in court processes. They are busy people reading official-looking documents quickly.

Confusion usually comes from:

• Similar wording on questionnaires and summonses

• Portals that show “jury service” without context

• Legal language instead of plain language

• Missing “what happens next” explanations

• Automated systems that don’t explain the full timeline

From the juror’s perspective, it feels like one continuous process—even though it isn’t.

The Cost of This Confusion (for Court Staff)

When jurors don’t understand the difference, courts see:

• Increased phone calls and emails

• Repeat explanations by staff

• Frustrated jurors and frustrated employees

• Missed reporting dates

• Unnecessary fear of penalties

This is an avoidable workload.

Clear language = fewer calls.

Plain-Language Scripts You Can Use Today

On Your Questionnaire Page

“This questionnaire is not a summons.
Completing it does not mean you need to report for jury service.
If you are selected, you will receive a separate jury summons with instructions.”

On Your Portal Dashboard

“You have completed your jury questionnaire.
At this time, no action is required.
If you are selected for jury service, you will receive a summons with reporting details.”

In Email or Text Confirmations

“Thank you for completing your jury questionnaire.
This does not mean you are scheduled to serve.
You will only need to report if you receive a jury summons.”

For Phone Scripts (Staff-Friendly)

“Right now, you’ve only completed the questionnaire.
That step checks eligibility.
If you are selected, you’ll receive a summons with a date and time.
Until then, you do not need to report.”

Short. Calm. Clear.

How Technology Can Reduce This Confusion Automatically

Modern jury management systems are designed to reduce this exact problem.

With Jury by ezJustice, courts can:

• Separate questionnaire and summons workflows clearly

• Display real-time status in plain language

• Send automated confirmations that explain next steps

• Use customizable portal messaging (your words, your rules)

• Reduce calls with direct juror messaging with staff

When jurors can log in and immediately see:

“Questionnaire complete. No summons issued.”

—calls drop.

This isn’t about adding more work for staff.
It’s about removing unnecessary work.

Quick Checklist for Courts

If you want to cut inbound calls about jury confusion, check these today:

 Does every questionnaire clearly say “This is not a summons”?

Does your portal explain what happens next?

Are confirmation text/emails written in plain language?

Do staff have a consistent phone script?

Does your system show juror status clearly?

Final Thought

Most juror confusion isn’t caused by people ignoring instructions.
It’s caused by instructions that assume too much knowledge.

When courts explain the difference between a questionnaire and a summons in plain language:

• Jurors feel calmer

• Staff spend less time on the phone

• Compliance improves

• Trust increases

Clear language isn’t just good communication.
It’s good court operations.