Jury Summon For International Student?

Question

I received letter which say I summoned to jury duty yesterday. There is date and time. I am sure there is misunderstood, cause this duty must be for US citizen. But I think they got my name and address from DMV, becaue last I applied for state ID in New York. Whatever, my question is Can i do that even if i have just F1 international visa? I want to do that , maybe it would be excited. Welcome to "A Few Good Men" or "Runaway Jury"...hoooray!!!

Answer 1

The answer is  no, you are not allowed to serve as a juror.

The statute which covers qualification to serve as a juror is as follows:

    Sec. 1307a.

    (1) To qualify as a juror a person shall:

        (a) Be a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older, and a resident in the county for which the person is selected, and in the case of a district court in districts of the second and third class, be a resident of the district, and in the case of municipal courts of record, be a resident of the municipality.

Since you are not an United States citizen, you are not qualified to serve as a juror

Answer 2

Inform the court that you cannot come because you are an international student.

Answer 3

Ask to be excused because you are not a US Citizen.  And to be a jury member, you have to be a citizen.

Answer 4

Show up as required, bringing your passport & F1 international visa.

When the Judge asks if anyone believes they have a reason to be excused from jury duty, point out that you are not a citizen, just have an F1 international visa, and you are not sure if you are qualified to be a juror (although you would like to be one if it is permitted).

You will probably be excused.

DO NOT FAIL TO SHOW UP.

The court may think you are ignoring the jury summons & issue an arrest warrant for you (which will NOT help you to remain in the U.S.).

Answer 5

It can be an interesting experience but, yeah, you must be a citizen.