The statutory qualifications for federal jury service, established in 28 U.S.C. § 1865 are:

QUALIFICATIONS FOR FEDERAL JURY SERVICE

1. Must be a citizen of the United States of America, at least 18 years of age, who resided for a period of 1 year within the judicial district.
2. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
3. Must be physically and mentally capable to render satisfactory jury service.
4. Must not have felony charge(s) pending against you, or have been convicted in a state or federal court of record of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, and your civil rights have not been restored.

The Jury Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1863(b)(6), specifies that the following persons are barred from jury service on the grounds that they are exempt:

EXEMPTIONS

1. Must be employed on a full time basis as a :
   Public official of the United States, state, or local government who is elected to public office or directly appointed by one elected to office.
2. Must be a member of any governmental police or regular fire dept. (not including volunteer or non-governmental departments).
3. Must be a member in active service of the Armed Forces of the United States.

The Jury Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1863(b)(5)(A), permits excusal of certain groups of persons only if the Court finds that any member of such groups would suffer "undue hardship or extreme inconvenience" if required to perform jury service.


GROUNDS FOR PERMANENT EXCUSE

1. Must be over 70 and requesting to be excused.
2. Must have a current doctor's statement stating that you are unable to serve.
3. Must have served as a juror in the Federal Court within the past 2 years.
4. Must care for 1 or more children under the age of 10 whose health and/or safety would be jeopardized by their absence for jury service, or a person who is essential to the care of aged or infirm persons and does NOT work outside the home.
5. Must be a sole owner/proprietor of a business with no employees where an absence would cause the business to close.
6. Must be a volunteer firefighter, rescue squad member, or ambulance crew.

IF YOUR REQUEST TO BE EXCUSED DOES NOT FALL INTO ANY OF THE ABOVE CATEGORIES, YOU ARE CONSIDERED QUALIFIED.

Your request to be excused may still be granted if you are summoned for a particular panel. At that time, the court will determine whether or not you are qualified to serve, based on the court's Jury Plan.

Due to the large number of requests to be excused, any additional requests will not be reviewed by the court until you are given a date to appear. Please be patient -- the court will address all requests to be excused.

If you would like to request to be excused, please send a written request to the Jury Office.