Summons for Grand Jury Service - Frequently Asked Questions             
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How was my name selected?

You have already received, completed, and returned the Juror Qualification Questionnaire and based upon your answers, you have been found qualified to serve as a federal court juror.  Your name has been randomly selected from the list of qualified jurors for the Southern District of Indiana to participate in the selection of a grand jury.

Why do I have to complete another questionnaire?

Since you likely received the Juror Qualification Questionnaire several months ago, some of your information may have changed.  In addition to updating records, the Summons for Grand Jury Service questionnaire seeks supplemental information, which will be used to assist with the grand jury selection process.

Can I complete my questionnaire online?

Not at this time.  However, the court may offer this option in the future.

What should I do if I have to request to be excused from Grand Jury service?

If you are requesting a permanent excuse from Grand Jury service due to illness or a serious disability, or other physical condition, a physician’s statement explaining that your medical condition will prohibit your serving as a juror will be required.  If you have a legitimate reason other than medical, why you cannot serve as a Grand Juror, please submit a written request to be excused, which will be reviewed by the court for determination.

How will I know if I have been excused from Grand Jury service?

Requests for excuse will be presented to the court for a ruling prior to your reporting date.  Once the ruling is returned by the court, you will receive a phone call indicating the ruling and you will receive written notice.

Please note that a completed and returned Summons for Grand Jury Service questionnaire is required in order to consider a request for excuse.

What am I supposed to do if I get a Summons for Grand Jury Service?

Complete both sides of the Summons for Grand Jury Service questionnaire and return it in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope within ten (10) days.  Keep the Summons to Appear, the information brochure and directions for your reference.  Review the Summons to Appear and the information brochure and follow the instructions to appear on the date, time and place specified.

Grand Jury proceedings are highly confidential and your participation should not be disclosed! 

What if I have been called to serve in county court at the same time?

Please contact the Jury Administration office.

How long does Grand Jury selection take?

Jury selection time varies. Generally, you should know by noon whether you are selected to serve on the Grand Jury.

What happens during the Grand Jury selection process?

Once you are seated in the courtroom, the judge will explain the Grand Jury process.  You will take an oath, promising 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 will question you and other prospective Grand Jurors. Though some of the questions may seem personal, you should answer them completely and honestly. If you are uncomfortable answering them, ask to approach the bench and answer the question privately.

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

How many people are selected for Grand Jury service?

Twenty-three (23) members will be selected to serve on the Grand Jury.  Alternates are also selected in the event a Grand Juror may not be able to fulfill his/her obligation to complete his/her term of service.

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

Yes. County and federal courts operate separately from one another, so your service in county court does not satisfy your obligation to serve in federal court.

What happens if I do not report for Grand Jury duty?

Title 28, United States Code, §1866(g) provides: “Any person summoned for jury service who fails to appear as directed shall be ordered by the District Court to appear forthwith and show cause for his failure to comply with the summons.  Any person who fails to show good cause for noncompliance with a summons may be fined not more than $1,000.00, imprisoned not more than three days, ordered to perform community service, or any combination thereof.”

 What if I need special accommodations while serving as a Grand Juror?

Qualified individuals with disabilities have the same opportunity and obligation to serve as individuals without disabilities.  If you need special accommodations such as assistance with a wheelchair, hearing devices, or special seating, please contact Jury Administration once you have received your Summons for Grand Jury Service. If certain accommodations cannot be met, however, you may submit a written request to be excused.

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.  Entry into the Indianapolis federal courthouse BEFORE 8:00 AM can only be made through the handicapped entrance, which is located at the corner of New York and Pennsylvania Streets (northeast corner of the building).

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 public transportation, or have someone drive you. This court does not provide reimbursement for taxi fares.  You may call Jury Administration to see if carpool arrangements can be made. If we cannot assist you with transportation, you may submit a written request to be excused.

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

A normal Grand Jury day will begin between 8:45 and 9:45 a.m. and will end between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m.  Breaks are provided throughout the day. Generally, there will be a mid-morning break, a break for lunch and two afternoon breaks.  Snacks and beverages are provided by the court; however, lunch is not provided by the court.  You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages if you have certain dietary restrictions.

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

Grand Jury matters are not open to the public and only members of the Grand Jury will be allowed into the courtroom.

What happens if I am late for Grand Jury selection on the first day?

It is important that you arrive on time. If you are unavoidably delayed, please contact Jury Administration immediately.

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 Jury Administration immediately.

What should I bring with me to the court?

All persons are required to show a valid government-issued identification card before being allowed entry.  At a minimum, the identification card must show the person's photo, name, and date of birth.  You may also bring books, magazines, study material. Cell phones, laptops, and beepers are permitted in the building. However, Court Security Officers will screen such equipment through a magnetometer prior to entering the building. All electronic equipment must be turned OFF in the courtroom.  The courthouse does not have wireless internet access; however, there may be locations near the courthouse where it is available over a lunch break for checking e-mail, etc.  Jury Administration or a Deputy Clerk would be happy to advise you of those specific locations.

Please be advised that you can only gain access into the Indianapolis courthouse before 8:00 AM by using the handicapped entrance located on the northeast corner of the building at New York and Pennsylvania streets.  All other doors will be locked until 8:00 AM.

What if I cannot attend every Grand Jury session during my term of service?

If selected, the court anticipates that you will make every effort to attend as many sessions as physically possible.  However, due to emergencies, this may not always be possible.  Should these situations arise, please contact your Grand Jury foreperson immediately to ensure that your absence would not interfere with the scheduled session’s proceedings.  A Grand Jury session cannot proceed unless a quorum is present.  A quorum is sixteen (16) jurors.

What if I have scheduled appointments or vacations?
Grand Jury Service has a six to eighteen month term of service and the court understands that you may have a vacation or obligation previously scheduled which may conflict with Grand Jury sessions.  If you are selected to serve as a Grand Juror, you will be given a schedule for the entire term of service and will have the opportunity to notify the foreperson of your panel of your previously scheduled vacation dates.  If you have a concern about committing to the grand jury because of extended absences, you may address your concern(s) during the grand jury selection process.

Is there a dress code?

Your responsibilities as a Grand 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.  You may also wish to bring a sweater or a jacket for your comfort.  Shorts, jeans, T-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts should not be worn.

Will I be paid for Grand Jury service?

Yes. For details, check Juror Payment Information.

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, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States.” If the employer violates this law, he/she may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation for each employee.  The employer shall also be liable for damages, including 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

Is my employer obligated to pay regular salary during Grand Jury service?

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

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 Juror’s Certificate of Attendance. If you are selected for service, you will receive a certificate at the end of your service. If you forgot to get a certificate, please contact Jury Administration and one may be faxed or mailed to you.

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

If you can provide a current address, please write the new address in PART 1 of the Summons for Grand Jury Service, located at the bottom and return it in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope. If you do not know the person or do not have a forwarding address, please write “return to sender” on the outside window envelope and return it through the postal service.

What if I did not receive a return addressed envelope?
The court apologizes for this oversight.  The Summons for Grand Jury Service questionnaire can be mailed to:

U. S. DISTRICT COURT
46 E. OHIO STREET, ROOM 105
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204

ATTENTION: JURY

What if the person who received the Summons for Grand Jury Service is deceased?

Please write “deceased” on the Summons for Grand Jury Service questionnaire and send it back to the court in the postage-paid envelope provided.  We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation in updating our jury records.

What if I am a student?

If you are a student in or out of state and still have, or use, a permanent address in the Southern District of Indiana, you are still qualified to serve at this stage. Complete both sides of the Summons for Grand Jury Service questionnaire and return it as directed.  A family member may complete the questionnaire on your behalf.  In doing so, they should sign the questionnaire, indicating their name and relationship and explain why such action was necessary.

What if I moved?

Regardless of whether you have moved within the state or out of state, please complete the questionnaire in full including your new address in PART 1, located at the bottom of the Notice of Jury Service, and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.  Once processed, your address will be updated and, if you are no longer qualified to serve in the Southern District of Indiana, you will receive written notice of your disqualification.

What if I cannot return the Summons for Grand Jury Service questionnaire within 10 days?

The court understands if you are out of town or have other circumstances that may slow your response time.  If this situation arises, please call the jury office as soon as possible to inform them of the circumstances.

 

  
  U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana ▪ Updated February 15, 2012