Jury FAQs

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  • How was I selected to be a Juror?

    Juror names are selected at random from the voter lists.  Before potential jurors are summonsed for service, their names are randomly drawn from voter’s lists to receive a questionnaire to determine whether they meet the legal qualifications for jury service.  Individuals who receive questionnaires are required to complete and return the form to the clerk’s office within 10 days, which then screens the completed questionnaires to determine eligibility for service. For your convenience this questionnaire can be filled out on this website by clicking on E-JUROR.

  • What does it mean to be "On-Call"?

    In this court you are “On-Call” for a TWO (2) week period.  You will ONLY report to the courthouse if the message on the automated call-in system instructs you to appear.  You must call each night for the ENTIRE week, Sunday through Thursday.

  • What should I bring with me when I report for jury duty?

    You must have a picture ID to enter the courthouse. Be sure to bring your “Summons for Jury Service” with you when you report for jury duty. If you have special dietary needs, you may bring your food or snacks with you.

  • What should I wear for jury duty?

    Appropriate attire is required.  No shorts or blue jeans are allowed.  Courtrooms are kept cool, bring a sweater or jacket if desired

  • What if my employer wants proof that I served on jury duty?

    You can request a Certificate of Attendance from the jury clerk or print your own through E-JUROR.

  • What if I get discharged from my job because I served on jury duty?

    Federal Statute Title 28, US Code, Section 1875 states that no employers shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee's jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States. This statute also advises the employer of the consequences for violating the provisions of this section.

  • Will I be “sequestered” and have to stay overnight?

    Occasionally a trial day will extend past 5:00 p.m. in order, for example, to complete a line of testimony.  Sequestration, the need to stay overnight, is extremely rare in federal court.  Only one jury in the last 15 years has been sequestered, and only then because of the notoriety of the case.  This should not be a concern.

  • Where can I park my car?

    Parking is not allowed in the lot adjacent to the courthouse.  There is free parking available under the interstate and there is a pay parking lot at the corner of 7th and Florida streets.  The court cannot be responsible for parking tickets or towed vehicles. For your safety, please be sure to cross the street at the cross walk.  A cross walk button is provided to signal the lights to change for pedestrian crossing.

  • How do I request an excuse from jury service ?

    If you have received a questionnaire and feel you are entitled to be excused based on question 14: Mark the circle that applies. Turn the questionnaire over and complete the remarks section with pertinent information. The court will determine if you are still qualified to serve or will be excused. If you feel you have a valid excuse and it does not fall under question 14, you DO NOT need to send an excuse unless you receive a summons to appear for jury service.

  • What do I need to submit to the court for a medical excuse if I'm summonsed?

    You will need to submit a written request explaining your reason for the medical excuse. This can either be mailed in with your juror information card in the enclosed postage paid envelope, faxed or emailed to the jury office. Our fax number is 225-389-3651 and our email address is jury@lamd.uscourts.gov

  • Will I serve on civil or criminal trials?

    This Court tries both civil and criminal cases, and it is possible that you may be selected for either.

  • What happens if I forget to call the recording and appear when the jury has been canceled?

    You will not be reimbursed for any expenses incurred if you report when the trial has been canceled and you failed to call for the recorded message.

  • I am over 70 years of age. Do I have to still serve?

    No.  But, if you are physically able and desire to serve, your service is welcomed.  If you are 70 or older, however, you will be excused from service upon your request.

  • Lunch and Refreshments?

    Coffee, sodas, bottled water and a light snack is provided for jurors on the first day.  A coin operated snack machine is also located in the courthouse on the 1st floor.  Please bring change. If you have special dietary needs, you may bring your food or snacks with you. For a list of restaurants in the downtown area for lunch, click Jury Info/Downtown Restaurants.

  • Payment

    Jurors are paid for each day they report for service whether they actually serve on a jury or not.  You will be paid an attendance fee of $50.00 per day.  You will be reimbursed for parking fees, and mileage from your home to the courthouse and back, as calculated by zip code.  Payment is usually mailed approximately one week after the date of service.

  • Courthouse Security

    When you enter the federal building, you will be required to go through a magnetometer.  All briefcases, purses and packages will be x-rayed by the U.S. Marshal.  You may be required to remove belts with large metal buckles to gain admittance.  The following items are prohibited in the building:

     

    Audio/Video Recorders

    Cell Phones

    Firearms

    Cameras

    Laptop computers

    Pagers

    Knives