This information is
not intended to take the place of the specific instructions you will get
from the judge concerning this case. It simply provides answers to some
frequently asked questions, so that you can be better prepared for your
term of service.
1. How long do I have
to be on jury duty? Your term will depend on when your service starts
and in which county you reside in. It is usually a term of 3-12
months. You will receive a letter specifying your term.
2. How long do the
cases last? There is no “usual” case. You will be told at the
beginning of any case you are called for what the court expects from you
for a time commitment if you are selected.
3. What is a typical
court day? The court proceedings usually start at 9:00 am, meaning you
will have to be ready to be seated by that time. Court will usually end
at 5:00 pm. You will be given breaks about every 2 hours, and your
lunch recess will be at least 1 hour. You will be expected to make
appropriate work or family care arrangements so that you can show up
every day, on time.
4. Do I get paid for
jury service? Yes, the county will pay you $50 per day for every day
that you serve as a juror. You will also get $.37/mile for your
transportation costs (round trip mileage from your residence to the
courthouse). If you report for service but are not selected for trial,
you will be paid a $10 appearance fee, plus mileage.
5. How do I get in
touch with my family during the trial? You may ask the bailiff about
placing calls or taking messages for you. Personal cell phones are not
allowed to be used. It’s best to leave them at home.
6. Can I leave the
courthouse once the trial starts? The judge will give you instructions
on this at the start of the case. During the evidence part of the
trial, you generally will be able to leave for lunch and at the end of
the day. Once you are in deliberations, you will be sequestered
(meaning all kept together), with further instructions from the judge.
7. Is it true that I
can’t talk to anyone while I am serving as a juror? The judge will give
you specific instructions about this. Generally, though, you will be
told to avoid any outside contacts about this case, including reading
the paper, listening to the TV or radio news, or talking to anyone about
the case. Once the trial is concluded, you will be free to discuss the
case with anyone you choose, but you are under no obligation to do so.
If you do decide to discuss it, you should treat it with the same degree
of solemnity as if you were talking about it in the presence of your
fellow jurors or under oath in the courtroom in the presence of the
parties. Always keep in mind that you and your fellow jurors have
deliberated and stated personal opinions with the understanding that
they were being expressed in confidence. Please respect the privacy of
the views of the other jurors.
8. Will my picture be
taken by the papers or television reporters? In most cases, the media
will respect your right to privacy, so that you won’t be approached,
questioned, interviewed, or photographed until after the conclusion of
the trial. Sometimes the judge might specifically instruct the media
about this. If you have a particular concern, please let one of the
bailiffs know so that this can be addressed.
9. Where do I park?
Parking usually is not designated. You are free to park in any public
lot or on the street surrounding the courthouse unless the judge
instructs you otherwise.
10. How will I know
what to do? Being a juror requires no special skills or legal
knowledge, only that you be honest, impartial, and willing to keep an
open mind. The judge will instruct you about the law that applies in
this case. The attorneys will tell you what they think you need to
know. And you may be able to take notes during the trial, depending on
the case.