Jury Service

"The common sense of twelve honest men
gives a still better chance of just decision
than any other method of trial."

-Thomas Jefferson

The jury is the very foundation of the American judicial system. The Constitution of the United States guarantees each citizen a right to trial by jury, and as a potential juror, you have an opportunity to play an essential role.

For many people, jury service is the most direct, hands-on involvement in government they will ever experience. It is also rewarding to know that by serving on a jury, you are serving the community in which you live.

If you have received a jury summons in the mail, you are obligated to report for jury service. The dates and times for reporting to jury duty are updated regularly, so it is best to call or go on-line after 5:00 p.m. the day before you are scheduled to report.

To get an update, you will need to know the court jurisdiction, your jury group, and your reporting date. This information is in your jury summons.

View the video to learn more about how a juror is selected and what to expect during a trial.

To view the video, you will need QuickTime.