JURY DUTY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM JURORS
1. How was I selected for jury duty?
As long as your driver’s license has a Pender County address and you are registered to vote in Pender County, you are subject to being called to serve as a juror. A new jury pool is established every two years. Depending on the trial calendar, anywhere from 100-200 jurors are randomly selected and summoned from this jury pool.
2. How are jurors selected to hear and render a verdict on a pending case?
Twelve jurors are selected randomly from the jury panel at trial by the courtroom clerk. After each party has had an opportunity to question the jurors individually and collectively, the twelve remaining are the jury for the matter.
3. How long will I be on jury duty?
Generally, Criminal and Civil court sessions are scheduled by the week and jurors are summoned to appear on Tuesdays with the exception of Criminal sessions for January and July. For those court sessions, jurors are summoned to appear on Monday to allow for the selection of new Grand Jury members. These days are subject to change; therefore, it is important to read your jury summons closely and to call the telephone number given on your summons, (910) 663-3905, during the weekend immediately preceding your jury service week for a recorded message with reporting instructions.
4. How do I request a deferment or excusal?
Any requests for excusal or deferment must be made in writing prior to your jury service week. If you are requesting to be excused for medical or mental impairments, please attach a statement from your physician with your request. Please note that unless your physician specifically states that your condition would prevent you from serving as a juror permanently, your excuse, if granted, will be for two years. You may be subject to being recalled for jury service after that time. Also, excusals are generally not granted for work hardships or childcare; however, you may be granted a deferment to a later session to allow you additional time to make adequate arrangements.
5. What are the qualification requirements for a juror?
To serve as a juror for Pender County you must meet the following requirements:
• You must reside in Pender County
• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must be physically and mentally competent
• You must be a citizen of the United States and understand the English language.
• You must not be a convicted felon or if you have been convicted of a felony you must have your citizenship rights restored.
• You cannot have served as a juror within the past two years.
If you do not meet one or more of these requirements, please check the space beside the appropriate disqualification on your summons and return it to our office
6. How do I obtain verification of my jury service attendance?
If your employer or school requires verification of your jury service attendance, a letter will be provided to you at the conclusion of your jury service upon your request. You can obtain this verification either from the courtroom clerk, if court proceedings allow, or from our office at the main courthouse, room 8 for criminal sessions and room 7 for civil sessions.