This is a summary for quick reference. Please refer to General Order No. 6 and the Jury Selection and Service Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 1861–1878 for the governing authority.
Who Is Qualified
A prospective juror is disqualified only on these grounds (G.O. 6, § X):
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Resided in this district for at least one year
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to complete the qualification form without assistance
- Be mentally and physically capable of satisfactory jury service
- Have no pending charges, and no conviction, for a crime punishable by more than one year's imprisonment, or, if convicted, have had civil rights restored under the laws of the state of conviction
Who Is Exempt
The following groups are exempt and need not serve (G.O. 6, § XI):
- U.S. armed forces (active duty)
- State or local fire or police departments - active and full-time
- Elected public officials and those directly appointed by elected officials, while actively performing official duties
Who May Be Excused on Request
The following may request excuse without a hardship showing (G.O. 6, § XII):
- Anyone over age 75
- Anyone who served on or reported for jury duty in any court within the past year
- Uncompensated volunteer firefighters and rescue/ambulance crew members
Any juror not in these categories may still request excuse based on undue hardship or extreme inconvenience, which the court or Clerk (with proper delegation) will evaluate individually. (Id.)
Deferrals and Service Limits
- Deferral: The Clerk may defer service by up to six months on request. (G.O. 6, § XII)
- Annual cap: No one may be required to serve or be on standby for petit jury service for more than two weeks total in any year (except to complete an ongoing trial), serve on more than one grand jury, or serve as both a grand and petit juror. (Id.)
Note: No citizen may be excluded from consideration on account of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, economic status, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. G.O. 6, § IV; 28 U.S.C. § 1862.