Federal Jury Service

Selection & Qualification:

Reporting for Jury Service:

Payment & Employers:

Juror Qualification Questionnaires:

How was my name selected?

Your name was randomly selected from the certified list of registered voters obtained by the court from Indiana Election Commission, and you completed and returned to the court a Juror Qualification Questionnaire which indicated that in accordance with court rules and federal statutes you qualified to serve as a juror.
 

Back to Top

What are the qualifications to serve as a juror?

To see if you are qualified to serve as a juror, check the Qualifications & Exemptions Information
 

Back to Top

Why should I serve as a juror?

Anyone who is involved in a civil dispute or accused of a crime has a constitutional right to have a jury decide their case. As a juror, you fulfill a civic obligation and help make important decisions affecting people’s lives and issues that concern your community.
 

Back to Top

What should I do if I have a request to be excused from jury service?

Please click here for ALL possible conflicts or requests to be excused.
 

Back to Top

How long does jury selection take?

Jury selection time varies. Generally, you should know by noon whether you are selected to serve or not. This may vary depending on the complexity of the case.
 

Back to Top

What happens during the jury selection process?

Once you are seated in the courtroom, the judge will inform you about the case, then introduce the lawyers and others who are involved. You will also take an oath, in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully.

After you are sworn in, you will begin a questioning process called voir dire, which means “to speak the truth.” During this process, the judge and the lawyers will question you and other members of the panel to find out if you have any knowledge about the case, any personal interest in it, or any feelings that might make it hard for you to be impartial. Though some of the questions may seem personal, you should answer them completely and honestly. If you are uncomfortable answering them, tell the judge and he/she may ask them privately.

Remember: Questions are not asked to embarrass you. They are intended to make sure members of the jury have no opinions or past experiences which might prevent them from making an impartial decision.
 

Back to Top

How many people are selected for jury service?

The number of jurors that are selected depends on what type of case it is. For a civil trial, six to eight jurors may be selected. For a criminal trial, twelve to fourteen may be selected.

 Back to Top

Will I be called again for jury service?

If you appear for jury service and are not selected, the chances of being called again during your term of service are not likely. In rare circumstances, where the court runs short of jurors, you may be called to appear more than once. The court makes every effort to prevent this from happening and tries to utilize your time properly. Once your term of service is over or you have served on a trial, you can not be called for jury service in the Federal Court for 2 years.
 

Back to Top

I have already served or have been called for service in the state court. Do I have to serve in the federal court too?

Yes. State and federal courts operate separately from one another, so your service in one court does not satisfy your obligation to the other. However, if you are called to appear on the same date, you must then appear for federal court jury and notify the state court of this conflict.
Back to Top

What if I am called for Grand Jury?

The grand jury is different from the trial jury (also know as the petit jury). The terms and purposes of service are different. People called for grand jury duty should contact the court with specific questions. You may call
1-800-827-5879 to speak with the jury administrator.

 Back to Top

What happens if I do not report for jury duty?

Any juror who fails to report for jury duty may be served with an Order to Show Cause by the U.S. Marshals Service. Jurors who fail to show adequate cause for their absence from jury duty can be held in contempt of court under the Jury Selection Act, 28 U.S.C. 1866(g). Penalties range from a fine of $100 to three days in jail, or both.
 

Back to Top

When should I report for jury service?

Sometime after you have filled out and returned your Juror Qualification Questionnaire, you may receive a packet of information which consists of a Juror Summons/Questionnaire. Please complete this form and return it within TEN DAYS. You will also be informed of the date that your “on call” status begins. The length of your “on call” status may either be for 3 or 6 months, depending on where you live. Click here to find out which division your county falls in and the length of your term of service.

You will not be required to appear the first day of your term, nor do you need to call. If you are needed for service, you will receive a “Notice to Report” approximately two weeks prior to the date you are to appear. Once you have received this letter, please call our toll free number at 1-800-827-5879 or click here(link to confirmation page) to confirm your appearance. You will need your panel number, which is located on the upper right hand side of your Notice to Report letter, and the date you are to report.

The night before your trial date, please call 1-800-827-5879 or click here to check the status of the case online(link to case status page) to see whether or not you are needed for service.
 

Back to Top

Why must I call or check online the night before I appear for jury duty?

The Court’s schedule may change at the last minute or a trial may be settled or rescheduled. To insure that the Court utilizes your time properly, we ask that you call or check online for the status of the case (link to case status page) after 6:00 p.m. the night before the scheduled date you are to appear. If your trial has been cancelled, you do not need to call or appear. You will receive written notice of your next appearance date.
 

Back to Top

What if I need special accommodations?

If you need special accommodations such as assistance with a wheelchair, hearing devices, or special seating, please contact the Jury Administrator once you have received your summons to appear. The courthouse is handicapped accessible. If certain accommodations can not be met, however, you may submit a written request to be excused.
 

Back to Top

How do I get to the courthouse and where should I park?

For directions to the courthouse and parking information, please check Maps, Directions & Travel Resources



 Back to Top

What if I do not have any transportation?

You are responsible for providing your own transportation to the Courthouse. If you cannot drive yourself, you should arrange to take a bus or taxi, or arrange to have someone drive you. You may call the jury office 1-800-827-5879 to see if carpool arrangements can be made. If we can not assist you with transportation, you may submit a written request to be excused for the court to review. To submit a request please click here.(link to request page)
 

Back to Top

How long is a typical jury day and will breaks be provided?

A normal jury day will begin between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and will end between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. Once the jury is in deliberation, however, the time may vary.

Yes. Breaks will be provided. Generally, there will be a mid-morning break. There will also be a break for lunch and two afternoon breaks.

Back to Top

Can a family member or friend be present with me in the court?

If you are accompanied by a family member or friend, they may sit with you until you are called to the courtroom for jury selection. During the jury selection process, they may sit in the back of the courtroom. However, once you return to the jury room, from this point on they may not accompany you. Please remember that when you are adjourned for lunch or for the day, do not discuss the trial with friends or family members. You may only discuss the trial once it is over.

 Back to Top

Can I bring my children with me?

Please do not bring children to the courthouse. Child care is not provided.
 

Back to Top

What happens if I am late for Jury Service?

It is important that you arrive on time. The trial cannot begin until all jurors are present. If you are unavoidably delayed, please call the jury office immediately at 1-800-827-5879.
 

Back to Top

What should I do if I am sick or have an emergency the day that I am supposed to report?

If a real emergency occurs such as a sudden illness, accident, or death in the family - please contact the jury office immediately. You will be asked to submit in writing a letter explaining why you were unable to appear for jury service for the court to review. If necessary, further documentation may be requested.
 

Back to Top

What should I bring with me to the court?

A PICTURE ID is required to enter the building. You may also bring your books, magazines, and study material. Cell phones, laptops, and beepers are permitted in the building. However, Court Security officers will screen such equipment through the magnetometer prior to entering the building. All electronic equipment must be turned OFF in the courtroom.

Please Note: CELL PHONES or PDA's with VIDEO/PHOTO CAPABILITIES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE U.S. COURTHOUSE. You will not be allowed to enter the building if you have one with you.

 Back to Top

How long does the trial last?

The length of each trial depends on the complexity of the case. Generally, trials last between 3 and 4 days. The judge will inform you the morning of jury selection as to how long the trial will last. Please inform the judge of any serious hardships at this time. If a trial is intended to last longer than one week. You will receive your “Notice to Report” three weeks in advance so that proper arrangements may be made. Please be patient during this process, because a lot of people have similar concerns regarding time.

 Back to Top

Is there a dress code?

Your responsibilities as a juror are of utmost importance and your attire is indicative of that importance and the seriousness you attach to your duties. Therefore, you should wear comfortable but appropriate, business-like clothing. Shorts, jeans, t-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts should not be worn.
 

Back to Top

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

Occasionally a trial 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 the federal court. This should not be a concern.

 Back to Top

Will I be paid for jury service?

Yes. For details, check Juror Payment Information

 Back to Top

What if my boss does not want me to serve?

In accordance with Title 28, United States Code, Section 1875, “no employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee’s jury service, in any court of the United States.” If the employer violates this law, he/she may be subject to a fine of not more than $1000.00 for each violation and shall be liable for damages for any loss of wages or other benefits suffered by an employee. Jury service is a citizen’s obligation and the employer has to provide the employee with the time to serve.

 Back to Top

Is my employer obligated to pay regular salary during jury service?

Prior to reporting, please check with your employer regarding their jury duty policy. Such policies are entirely discretionary with employers; employers are not specifically obligated to continue jurors’ regular pay during jury service.
 

Back to Top

Where can I get proof of my service to give to my employer?

If you are not selected as a juror, you may go to the Clerk’s Office located on the first floor in room 105 and ask for a Certificate of Attendance. If you are selected for service, you will receive a certificate at the end of your service. If you were not selected and you forgot to get a certificate, please call the jury office at 1-800-827-5879 and we will send or fax one to you.

 Back to Top

What if I have a medical condition that would keep me from serving as a juror?

At this stage, you may be excused from jury service for a medical condition if you submit a current doctor’s statement stating that you are unable to serve. You may wish to wait to see if you are summoned and provide a doctor’s statement at that time.
Back to Top

What if I am over 70 years of age?

You may be excused from jury service if you are over 70 years of age and do not wish to serve. Please fill out the form and circle oval #2 on question #15 and return it to our office.
Back to Top

What if I have scheduled appointments or vacations?
You do not need to provide that information at this time. If you are summoned to appear, you will be instructed to inform the court of any dates you will be unavailable during your term of service. The court will honor any reasonable requests.

 Back to Top

What if I have received a questionnaire for a person who no longer lives at this mailing address?

If you can provide a current address, please scratch out the old address, put the new address beside it, and send it back to us. If you do not know the person or do not have a forwarding address, please write “return to sender” on it and send it back to us.

 Back to Top

What if I do not have a return addressed envelope?

 You may return it to the court by mail and address it to:

US DISTRICT COURT
46 E. OHIO STREET, ROOM 105
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204
ATTENTION: JURY

Back to Top

What if the person is deceased?

Please write deceased on the questionnaire and send it back to us.

 Back to Top

What if the person is a student?

If the person is a student in or out of state and they still have a permanent address in the Southern District, they are still qualified to serve at this stage. The student may submit their questionnaire online or a parent may fill the form out for them and send it back to us.

 Back to Top

What if I no longer live in the Southern District of Indiana?

Please write your new address on the form and send it back to us. We will remove you from our list of potential jurors.

 Back to Top

What if I cannot return the questionnaire within 10 days?

The court understands if you are out of town or have other circumstances that may slow your response time. We ask that you return the questionnaire at the soonest date possible.

 Back to Top

Who should I contact if I have more questions?

Please call the jury office at 1-800-827-5879 and we will assist you with any other questions that you may have.

 Back to Top
 

  
  U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana ▪ Updated March 04, 2008