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About Jury Duty

Persons appearing in Magistrate court are entitled to a jury trial after one has been properly requested. Magistrates are empowered to summon juries and conduct jury trials.

Juries in Magistrate courts are randomly selected from the voter registration list within their voting district. Generally, these juries consist of six jurors and an alternate. All persons receiving a jury summons should appear at the time and place listed unless they have been excused by the presiding judge. If you think you qualify for exemption from jury duty, contact the court for further instructions. Some valid excuses are: age, having young children and no child care, physical, or mental restrictions, recent jury service, etc. The court may, for good reason, delay your service to a later date at the judge's discretion.

Come to the jury selection prepared to stay most of the day. (You may want to bring a good book to fill in time gaps.) You will be given instructions for the remainder of the week by the court and expected to return promptly as needed. Normally, the court will recess for meals. Dress appropriately for the courtroom. Inappropriate dress would include: hats, tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, etc.

Do Not Bring Telephones, Pagers, or any other noise making electronics, ABSOLUTELY NO WEAPONS ARE TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE BUILDING. You may be subject to search or scanning devices.