Trial by jury is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois. Maintaining this right requires a reliable, impartial system for selecting and managing jurors.

Illinois law mandates that counties with populations over 40,000 establish a three-member Jury Commission appointed by the circuit judges. In the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, the Office of the Jury Commission—led by the Clerk of the Jury Commission, Sarah J. Flores and supported by two full-time assistants—oversees the daily administration of the jury system.

The Office conducts the fair and random selection of prospective jurors from a combined list of registered voters, driver's license holders, Illinois Identification Card holders, and Illinois Disabled Person Identification Card holders. It also manages all aspects of juror summons and service.

In 2025, the Court summoned 35,450 individuals for jury service. Of those, 2,700 were directed to courtrooms for jury selection, resulting in 57 jury trials. These efforts support the Court's commitment to fair and impartial proceedings for all who appear before it.

In 2025, there were 57 jury trials in Winnebago County.