Jury Duty in the United States: An Overview
Who is Eligible for Jury Duty?
In the United States, eligibility for jury duty varies from state to state. Generally, to be eligible for jury duty, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old
- A resident of the county in which you are summoned
- Not legally disqualified from serving on a jury (e.g., due to a felony conviction)
How Jurors Are Selected
Jurors are typically selected from voter registration lists or other lists of eligible citizens. In some cases, they may also be selected from a cross-section of the community. Once selected, potential jurors are screened to ensure that they are qualified to serve. This screening may include questions about their criminal history, their ability to speak and understand English, and their availability to serve.
What to Expect During Jury Service
Jury service typically lasts for one to two weeks, although it may be longer for complex cases. During jury service, you will be expected to attend court hearings and deliberate with other jurors to reach a verdict. You will also be required to follow the judge's instructions and to remain impartial throughout the trial. As a juror, you play an important role in the administration of justice. Your verdict will help to ensure that the law is fairly and justly applied.
Comments