Jurors guide

� US citizen and resident of county
� at least 18: read, write, & speak English
� have not been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year

Requirments to serve as a juror

Chosen randomly, sent a summons, stating the required time and place to appear

How are jurors elected

Court order stating the required time and place to appear

Summons

� Jury is made up of 12 jurors, except in the rare case of the parties agreeing to fewer
� a district attorney acting on behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania accused of a crime

Criminal case

�Can consist of as few as 6 or as many as 12
� a person brings a lawsuit against another individual

Civil case

Composed of those people summoned to appear on a particular day

Jury pool

�Medical or physical hardship, loss of job, loss of wages, childcare issues, and care giver for an ill parent
� if any of above are present, need verification and can mail (not online) a request for exemption

Hardship

� in active military forces
� have served on jury duty within 3 years of current summons

Who can be exempted for jury duty

� can be held in contempt of court
� can be fined up to $500 or imprisoned up to 10 days

What happens if I ignore my summons?

� if served and lasted < 3 days, exempt for one year
� if served and lasted > 3 days, exempt from service for three years

How often do I have to serve?

Jurors staying at a local hotel at the county's expense during the trial

Sequestered

Occurs rarely

Will a juror be sequestered?

Preliminary questioning of members of the jury pool to determine their qualifications to serve on a jury

Voir dire

Yes

Will you get paid for jury duty?

Under Pennsylvania law, jurors receive $9 per day for the first 3 days, and $25 after the 3rd day

How much will you be paid?