{"id":352278,"date":"2023-09-08T00:34:47","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T05:34:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/how-are-potential-jurors-selected.html"},"modified":"2023-09-08T00:34:47","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T05:34:47","slug":"how-are-potential-jurors-selected","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/how-are-potential-jurors-selected.html","title":{"rendered":"Jury Selection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Jury Selection<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

States and counties maintain lists of citizens for possible jury selection. These lists are a compilation of information from the Department of Motor Vehicles, voter registrations, phone books, and other sources that would provide a list of potential jurors. From the compilation, names are randomly drawn.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Under the Sixth Amendment, you’re guaranteed the right to a jury trial for a serious criminal charge. Juries are also guaranteed in certain civil cases at the federal level and in most state courts. A jury must determine the facts of the case<\/a> after carefully reviewing the evidence and deliberating. But how are jurors selected, and what rights, if any, do jurors have in the process?<\/p>\r\n

Random Jury Selection Process<\/h2>\r\n

You may receive a juror qualification questionnaire to complete via the mailed form or online at eJuror<\/a>. The questionnaire is to determine your qualifications to serve as a juror. You may be randomly selected and sent a summons to serve if qualified.<\/p>\r\n

Notification by Mail, Never by Phone<\/h2>\r\n

After drawing names for jury selection, each prospective juror receives a court-ordered jury summons with the date and time of service in the mail. A prospective juror will never receive notice of jury service by phone<\/a>. All of the necessary instructions are on the summons. You can most likely reschedule your jury service for a different date. If this is an option, instructions will be on the summons.<\/p>\r\n

Do not fall victim to juror scams that pressure you to reveal confidential information via phone or email. The district courts and federal courts will not request sensitive information over the phone, including the following:<\/p>\r\n