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While efforts are
made to reduce delay and avoid waiting time, you may
have to wait awhile at the courthouse before finding
out whether you have been chosen to actually sit on
a jury. So bring a book or other quiet activity;
solve a crossword puzzle; write a letter; sketch a
picture; or get to know your fellow jurors. Remember
that as a juror you are a vital part of the court
system.
Sometimes, on a day
that you appear for jury service, you will be
requested to serve on a jury. Service on a jury is
one of the most important responsibilities that you
will exercise as a citizen of this Commonwealth. It
is your responsibility to listen to the evidence
presented at a trial, decide the facts, apply the
facts to the law as instructed by the judge, and
render a fair and impartial verdict.
As a juror, you will
perform a very important duty that each citizen owes
to our Commonwealth. Your participation is critical
because the right to a trail by a jury is a right
guaranteed by the Federal and State constitutions.
Your participation as a juror is necessary to ensure
that every citizen in this Commonwealth will have
access to this fundamental right.
You do not need any
special skills, knowledge, or education to be a
juror. However, you must be fair, impartial, willing
to listen and willing to keep an open mind.
Remember, our democracy will not work and our system
of justice cannot function, unless citizens like you
are willing to serve as jurors.
How was I chosen for jury Service?
Answer: Potential jurors are selected randomly
using lists designated by the court such as
voter registration and the driver’s
license list.
What are my obligations regarding jury
duty?
Answer: A jury is a group if individuals
randomly selected from the community, sworn in by
the court, and asked to collectively make decisions
in a court proceeding. Jurors are an important part
of the legal system.
What if I can’t perform jury service
right now?
Answer: If this disruption causes a genuine
hardship to you and not just inconvenience for you,
it may be possible for you to defer your service to
another time.
Will I be reimbursed for serving on a
jury?
Answer: You will be reimbursed $30 per
day for attendance for each day you must
report to the courthouse.
How long will I be in jury service?
Answer: Jurors serve one term of the court.
Typically, in Norfolk, a court term is approximately
one month. Your summons will indicate the length and
exact date of your service.
What hours will I serve?
Answer: On days that you report for jury
service, you can expect to be at the court during
its normal hours. If not selected for a jury, you
may be able to leave early. On occasion, a trial
will continue beyond the court’s normal working
hours. If this happens, you may need to arrange your
schedule to allow you to stay longer.
What about my job?
Answer: Your employer can’t fire, demote, or
otherwise penalize you for missing work while
performing jury service. If you have been summoned
and appear for jury duty for 4 or more hours in one
day, including travel time, your employer may not
require you start any work shift that begins on or
after 5:00 p.m. on the day you appeared for jury
duty, or to start any work shift that begins before
3:00 a.m. on the day following the day you appeared
for jury duty. Many employers will continue to pay
your salary while you are in jury service. Contact
your employer to find out what the policy is at your
job.
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