You’ve Been Summoned: What to Expect from Jury Duty

Historians date the concept of settling disputes using juries to the mid-400s B.C. in Athens, Greece. From then on, it became an accepted idea that citizens had the right to settle their neighbors’ grievances and the jury system spread across the western world.

Being a juror is a privilege and a valuable way to serve your community and country. Whether it’s state court or federal court, a criminal case or civil case, it’s also a premium opportunity to see how the justice system really works. Many people aren’t sure what to expect when they’ve been called for jury duty. So, we put together a quick guide that answers some commonly asked questions.

Jury Summons

In most metropolitan counties, thousands are called and few are chosen. Service starts with a summons in the mail showing the date, time, courthouse location and contact numbers for questions. The summons might instruct you to call the courthouse the day before you are scheduled to report in order to find out whether the court still needs you to come in. The summons could also come with a questionnaire asking about any relationship you might have with the cases scheduled for trial. This helps whittle down the jury pool.

It’s important to remember that when you are summoned for jury duty, the service is mandatory and you must appear unless the court specifically tells you that you have been released from service. Failing to report could result in penalties.

What to Expect the Day of Court

Most courthouses have security procedures in place for those entering the building. Although these systems vary, be prepared to pass through a metal detector and have your bags x-rayed. Often, no matter how many times you leave and enter the courthouse you will have to complete a security screening.

Leave weapons, including pocket knives, at home. Many federal courts require that you show government-issued identification. Rules vary from court to court on the kinds of phones and other electronics you may take inside. It is also a good idea to take a book or something to occupy your time quietly since there is often some down time during the jury screening process.

Voir Dire or “To speak the truth”

If you make the cut for a jury pool, your next stop is the courtroom, where the judge explains what to expect moving forward.

The court will conduct voir dire, or the questioning of jurors. Translated from French, it means “to speak the truth.” Sometimes, the judge will do all of the questioning, other times the lawyers, and often both.

The purpose of voir dire is to determine a person’s suitability for a case before being chosen to sit on a jury. The judge and attorneys from both sides want to determine whether you can be fair and open concerning the case. You may be asked about your background, opinions or experiences that could relate to issues that might come up during the trial. If you have something of a personal nature to explain that relates to your jury service, you may ask to talk with the judge and lawyers privately.

The court also will ask potential jurors to disclose any connections to the case. Do you know anyone involved, directly or indirectly? (Think PTA, neighbors, sports leagues, co-workers, your spouse’s friends, etc.). Prospective jurors with meaningful ties to anyone involved in the case might be dismissed.

Jury selection typically takes several hours, though it can take longer in a complex or high-profile case. Exemptions might be made for full-time students, primary caregivers to a child, people age 70 or older or those with certain medical conditions, among other reasons. If you have a medical issue that you believe would make jury service difficult, the court might require you to bring a doctor’s note of explanation.

You’ve Been Picked

Once you’ve been selected to sit on a jury, the judge then provides some rules of the road. They set start times, break times, the lunch hour and the time court will wrap up each day. Judges usually are very understanding about jurors’ personal responsibilities and will stick to this schedule as best they can. Once the trial begins, it’s important to refrain from talking about the case with anyone, fellow jurors, family and friends included. Also avoid accounts of the trial from any source.

Throughout the trial, both the plaintiff and defendant will have an opportunity to present their case to you. During this time, it’s important to pay attention to the facts of the case. A notepad might be provided for you to take notes. After each side rests their case, the judge will review your duties as a juror in what is called a “jury charge.” Then, the jurors will retire to the jury room to review the evidence and render a verdict.

Although employers, by law, cannot fire an employee for being called to jury duty, they might not be required to pay salaries during this time. However, after the trial is finished, you likely will receive payment for your service.

Jury service is considered one of the highest duties of citizenship and extends from the constitutional right to be tried by a panel of one’s peers. Jurors perform a vital role in the American justice system, something we all should be proud to take part in.

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For more information on the jury selection process, check out the following links:
State of Georgia: Jury Facts and Myths
Federal Jury Duty
Federal Jury Service FAQ
Brief History of the Jury System
Georgia Superior Courts Jury Basics
Jury Scam Warning
Short Video Series on the History of Juries