About Mackenzie Hughes. History Timeline. October 4, By: Christopher A. Extrapolating the numbers, that means only about 0. Here are a few simple things you should do if you receive a jury summons. Figure out what is being asked of you. Is the summons from federal court or state court? Is it for a petit jury or grand jury? Depending on the answer to these questions, the length of time and location for service will be different.
Respond to the summons. If you receive a jury summons, the absolute worst thing you can do is ignore it. Skipping jury duty may result in civil or criminal penalties. Although the courts make every effort to avoid delays, they sometimes will occur. If a delay occurs while you are present for jury service, please try to be patient with the court staff. Rest assured that there is usually a valid reason for any delays and the judge is aware that you are waiting.
Also, try to keep an open mind about your jury service and remember that you are playing an essential role in our justice system. At the conclusion of all the evidence, the judge may give you a written charge that asks you some specific questions.
Because you will need to consider all of the evidence admitted by the judge, it is important that you pay close attention to the evidence as it is presented at trial. You will not be asked, and you should not consider, whether one party or the other should win. Note that jurors and others can be called upon to testify in open court about acts of jury misconduct.
As a result, you need to follow all of the jury instructions given by the judge throughout the case very carefully. If you have questions about your jury summons or jury duty, please contact the appropriate court or judge as indicated on the jury summons.
The information contained on this web site is not intended to take the place of the instructions given by the judge or the court concerning any aspect of jury service.
In the event of any conflicts, the instructions and procedures given to you by the judge or the court should be followed. About Texas Courts. Site Search. Texas Judicial Branch Web. About Texas Courts Home. Jury Service in Texas. The Selection Process Juror Selection Receiving a summons for jury duty does not mean that you will actually serve on a jury. Juror Oath At some point during the jury selection process, prospective jurors are given an oath by which they swear or affirm to tell the truth when answering questions about their qualifications as jurors.
Qualifications for Jury Service You do not need any special skills or legal knowledge to be a juror! To be qualified to serve as a juror you must: be at least 18 years of age; be a citizen of the United States; be a resident of this state and of the county in which you are to serve as a juror; be qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in the county in which you are to serve as a juror Note: You do not have to be registered to vote to be qualified to vote ; be of sound mind and good moral character; be able to read and write; not have served as a juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court; and not have been convicted of, or be under indictment or other legal accusation for, misdemeanor theft or a felony.
Exemptions from Jury Service You are not required to claim an exemption from jury service. However, you may choose to be excused if you: Are over 70 years of age You may also request a permanent age 70 exemption. This does not apply if the jury wheel has been reconstituted since your service as a petit juror. Exemption from Jury Service You must follow the instructions on your jury summons or contact the judge to find out what you need to do to be exempted from jury service.
Exemption for Physical or Mental Impairments or Inability to Comprehend English A district court judge may permanently or temporarily exempt from jury service a person with a physical or mental impairment or with an inability to comprehend or communicate in the English language that makes it impossible or very difficult to serve on a jury.
Advice for your First Day of Service Be sure that you know where you are supposed to report. If you are unfamiliar with the courthouse and its surroundings you should carefully review the instructions that are included with summonses. You might also contact the judge or the district clerk's office or check the local web page for additional information.
Your attire should show respect for the court. Because you may serve on a jury the first day you report to serve, you should wear clothing reasonably befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings. Local judges may restrict certain attire, such as shorts, cutoff, sleeveless shirts, sandals, and hats. If you get a jury summons in the post, you must respond within 7 days and confirm if you can attend. You can watch a video about jury service. There are different rules for jury service in Scotland and jury service in Northern Ireland.
Jury staff will contact you to confirm the days and times you need to attend. Follow the rules for:. You can read more about how coronavirus is affecting jury service. If the trial is likely to last longer than 10 days, jury staff will let you know. If the trial is shorter than 10 days, you may be asked to be a juror on other trials.
Who may serve as a juror? Will I be paid for jury service? What if the dates of my jury service conflict with my work or vacation schedule? Why have some people never been called for jury duty? May I volunteer for jury service? I lost my juror summons. How do I find out what court summoned me for jury service?
How are jurors contacted for service in federal court? More on Jury Service The Act states that individuals are legally disqualified from service: if they are not a citizen of the United States 18 years old, who has resided for a period of one year within the judicial district; if they are unable to read, write, and understand the English language with a degree of proficiency necessary to fill out a qualification form; if they are unable to speak the English language; if they are incapable by reason of mental or physical infirmity to render jury service; or if they have felony charges pending against them punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, or they have been convicted of a felony and their civil rights have not been restored.
In addition, the Jury Act lists three groups that are exempt from federal jury service: members of the armed forces on active duty; members of professional fire and police departments; and "public officers" of federal, state or local governments, who are actively engaged in the performance of public duties.
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