Jury Duty question.?

Question

I have been called to appear in a state District Court for jury duty. I am very nervous. I would like to know what was your experience if you have been called/or served. I sent back my questionnaire but would like to know what to expect. Also, does this mean this is a Federal case? It says United States District Court and is in my state but not in my county. Thank you all for your time and help!

Answer 1

If it is in US district court yes that is a federal court so it would be a federal case.

You go to the courthouse at the time your paper says to be there or a little before.  You will go through a metal detector and security screen so do not take a pocket knife or anything like that.  You also are not permitted to take a cell phone, ipod, MP3 Player, game boy etc.  into most court houses.  If you carry a purse or briefcase it will be checked so it is better to just keep what you need in your pocket.  If you have medicine you need to take (for example a lunch time pill) it needs to be in the original bottle if it is or resembles a controlled substance.   If you tend to get hungry when just sitting around take a few hard candies or such.  

There will be at least 3 times as many people there as they need for a jury,usually more. The baliff (person in uniform at front of courtroom) will give instructions and directions.   Each lawyer or team of lawyers will have the opportuinity to ask questions of each potential juror.  Questions are usually like your name,where you live (not address but town and area of town,your age,occupation,do you know the defedant, any of the lawyers,have you read about the case,do you know anyone involved in any way, do you know anything about the subject of the trial, have you or a family member ever been on trial,do you have any reason you could not serve on the jury and give a fair decision, stuff like that.  Each lawyer gets a certain number of "preemptory challenges" which means they can say they don't want someone on the jury and not give a reason.  They also get to say they don't want someone on the jury for good cause (like if you were a victim of a similar crime, know the lawyers,etc.)   Eventually they will get it down to the first 12 who will be jurors and a few alternates to be available as substitutes in case a juror has to leave the case like if they get sick.

Before the day of the trial you need to let your employer know why you will be out and show he summons to jury duty.   If you have a medical reason you can not serve you need to get the dostor to write a paper saying that, similarly if you are caregiver for someone ill who can not be left alone,have a special needs child and no one else to care for them, etc.

Answer 2

Relax... there is nothing to be nervous about. I've served on 8 juries. They will help you through everything.

It could possibly be a federal case.