About 30,000 jurors have opted in for the service since it was first offered to jurors responding online in June. Information on how to sign up for the service is included when jurors respond to their juror summons online.
Petit jurors who opt to receive text or email messages will receive a reminder notice about a week in advance of their reporting date. They also will receive the "call off" message if they don't need to report.
Jurors already can check that information at njcourts.com or call their local jury reporting number.
"We recognize that jurors make sacrifices to perform a vital public service," Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said. "Because so many jurors today rely on electronic communication, we want to meet their expectations and update them about jury service in the most convenient way possible."
Court officials say jurors will be able to opt out of the text alert system at any time and will not receive messages after their jury service concludes.
They also cite other efforts by the courts to enhance jury service, including wireless Internet access, which is available in every courthouse in the state. Desktop computers are also available in certain courthouses for use by jurors, and many jury assembly rooms have recently undergone renovations.
