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Jury FAQs

  • If asked to report, how many hours will I be at the courthouse each day?

    On the first day you report, you will be requested to be at the courthouse at 8:00 a.m. for jury orientation. Depending on how many cases are going that particular day, you could be at the courthouse until 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. When you are serving on a case, the hours are approximately 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (depending on the judge).

  • How will I know which days to report?

    You are “on call” for a two week period of time. Therefore, every night for two weeks (beginning after 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before your term begins), you should call the automated jury information system at (404) 215-1501. If the message says that you have to report for jury duty, then you would report to the courthouse the following day.

    If you serve on a case which concludes during your two-week term, you remain “on call” and may serve again. If your case extends beyond the two-week period, you are required to serve for its entire duration (this occurs infrequently).

  • What are the grounds for requesting a temporary excuse and how do I request one?

    You may request a temporary postponement due to other commitments (vacation, work, health, school, etc.) that may conflict with your summons date. It will be necessary to submit a letter to the jury office with your request at least seven business days prior to when your service is to begin. Please indicate in your letter when you will be able to serve within three months. You can mail, fax, or email your request. You will receive a letter via U.S. Mail (or email if an email address has been provided) regarding the judge's decision and your new service date.

  • What are the grounds for requesting a permanent excuse and how do I request one?

    There are several legal reasons for which you can be excused. All excuses must be made in writing to the U.S. District Court jury office. You can mail, fax, or email your request (If you are emailing a medical excuse, a doctor's letter will also be required). You can be excused if:

    • You are 70 years of age or older
    • You provide full-time care to an aged or infirm person
    • You provide full-time care to children under the age of 10
    • You are a volunteer firefighter or member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew
    • You have a grave medical condition or physical disability (for which a doctor’s letter is mandatory)
    • You have served within two years in the Federal Court

    You will receive a response to your inquiry via U.S. Mail.

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