I have jury duty coming up and I've never had it before, what can I expect? Can someone who's had it tell me??

Answer 1

It depends on which court summoned you. Typically you are given a questionaire to fill out, then you sit with all potential jurors. Then they filter out those who want to be excused (dont' speak English, giving care to sick/disabled familty, etc.). Then it depends upon how many jurors are needed for pending trials. Typically they call names to sit in groups, which is the jury pool for a certain court. If you are not called for a group, you will be excused. Some of the groups are sent to their respective court, and others may sit a while waiting to see if they will be called. A lot of cases are resolved "on the court steps" or through plea bargains, and if it was your court, you could be dismissed.

If you go to court, you again wait around until the judge is ready, then you go into court where the judge and attorneys for both (or all) parties to the lawsuit are present. They will conduct what is called "Voir Dire" where opposing counsel asks questions from various jurors - it's a process where each side tries to decide who would be the best jurors for their case. Some jurors are "stricken" or removed from the jury selection (most times you won't know why), and there are others who may request not to serve because they know someone in the case, or have a good excuse. The judge will decide if they serve or not.. Out of the remaining group, depending upon how many jurors are needed (between six and twelve usually), a jury is chosen from jury lists marked by the plaintiff and defense attorneys. They will also choose alternates. If you are chosen you are sworn in by the judge and will be a juror in that case. You are "captive" in that you won't be released until the case is resolved.

Some cases are minor in nature, and if you are chosen, you might be in court for a few hours or a day. Some courts will last for several days to several weeks or even months. You could be sequestered and required to stay in a hotel, and the court will pay for your room and meals. The judge will fully explain the details at the outset.

Take something to read as you will be sitting around a lot. The first time or two is interesting to see how it all works, then it gets tedious, particularly if you have a job. Some employers will pay you for your time in jury duty. I've been to many selections, and always have the feeling of being a prisoner. But, it's your Civic Duty and important, because it's the backbone of the American way of life. I've been on some trials that were very intersting, and some which were a waste of time. Good luck, and welcome to the "club".

Answer 2

Bring a book. Your legal system in action is horrendously boring.

Usually, the way it works is that everyone who is called in that day goes into a jury pool. You'll sit around for a while (and possibly all day). As the need for juries arises, they'll call a suitable number of candidates to be interviewed by the lawyers. The lawyers have to agree on who does and does not serve on that particular jury.

If you don't get picked for that particular jury, you'll either be returned to the jury pool or released for the day, depending on the number of cases they're expecting and how late in the day it is.

If you get picked for a jury, it can last from one day to ... however long it takes. I've had jury duty twice...the first time I got released about 2PM, the second time I got picked for a jury and had to spend 4 days there.

Answer 3

if you get picked for a jury you get to sit in a speical box you and 11 other people ,you get to see the justice system at work and you,ll get a whole different view about it from what you see on t.v and read in the paper,s and you get to decide
if a person is gulity or inecent(spelled that word wrong) and you get payed for it too .and they go on for a few days or a few weeks or a few months depending on the trial and if it,s a speical trial and you get what,s called sequestered (a jury that has to stay near the court house ,then they put in in a hotel
and you get a room free ) but i think you got to get your own meals (i dont know) the odd on that type of jury are slim and did i say you get payed for it too.and they ask you questions
about if you have any trouble being on a jury and they tell you what kind of trial it will be and some time parts of the trial can be down right boreing .but it all up to you if you want to give it a shot good luck .

Answer 4

Bring a Book
you spend a lot of time doing nothing
Most people don't get picked,but if you do its one of the most painful things you can experience. Very Boring.
Been Called 4 times 3 local 1 Fed
Sat on a case in Fed. The lawyers called for a side bar or objected constantly.
By the way the Guy was Guilt as Sin

Answer 5

LOL, i become fearful when I were given stated as too, and also you'll be nice. convinced, you get a touch repayment in case you serve, yet ought to verify consisting of your accountant about utilising it for a tax damage. replace your motive force's license. If I were a cop and that i pulled you, i'd for sure no longer grant you with a cost ticket due on your intense foxiness, yet maximum of them would. in all danger, after a jury and change jurors are picked, you is totally not on "standby" lengthy.

Answer 6

here are my experiences:
a. Tell your employer.
b. Go to the courtroom, ask for directions, GET THERE EARLY!!!
c. The court will come to order (the baliff will have the court to come to order). The judge will come out and tell about the case(s).
d. Your name will be called to come to the jury box. If not, you are free to go home.
e. If you are one the jury box listen to the judge (addressed as your honor) and the lawyers in the case pending. They will ask if you had any business with the lawyers and what for and so on.
f. Ask for conflict of interest?

Answer 7

if you are selected for a jury, be very attentive. it could mean a guilty or not guilty decision. after all, the jury is the one who decides.

Answer 8

Bring a book. You sit around all day waiting to be called. When after 6 hours your not called they go , see ya later. It is the most boring thing I have ever done, and my wife just called and said I get to go next week. YA-HOO

Answer 9

A lot of waiting around and answering questions.

If you're (unlikely) picked to serve, they will give you details.