Clerk Of Court Columbia County Site
Jury Duty Information
Welcome to the hub of Jury Duty Information
Summoned for Jury Duty?
Watch the Video!
Every week thousands of prospective jurors assemble in hundreds of courthouses throughout the nation to participate in a civic duty and a right guaranteed by the sixth Amendment to the constitution – the provision of trial by a jury of peers. By serving on a jury, you have a direct hand in the administration of justice.
The law and court procedures of our state had as their origin the Common Law of England where the right to trial by jury existed since 1215. This right has been sacredly guarded and preserved by the institutions of our various states and by the Federal Constitution.
The jury is responsible for the correct determination of the facts which are in dispute in a given case. Errors of law may be corrected by the trial judge or appellate courts, but a jury’s error of fact may never be corrected. Thus, a juror’s duty is one of grave responsibility and importance.
Eligibility & Exemptions
- Be a US citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of the county that sent you the summons
- Be proficient in English
- Not have served on a jury in the last 12 months
- Not be currently on a grand jury or another trial jury
- Not be under a conservatorship
- If convicted of a felony, have had your civil rights restored
- Over the age of 70
- Have a health condition that prevents you from serving, such as dementia, psychosis, or limited movement
- A service member or the spouse of a service member on ordered military duty
- The primary caregiver to a child age six or younger, and there is no reasonably available alternative child care
- The primary teacher in a home study program, and there is no alternative child care
- The primary unpaid caregiver for a person over the age of six, and the person is unable to care for themself and there is no alternative care available
Key Steps for Jury Duty
Receiving Your Summons
Learn what to expect when you receive a jury duty summons.
Preparing for Service
Understand the logistics and requirements for your scheduled jury duty.
Scheduling or Rescheduling
Request a deferral or reschedule if needed, and check deadlines.
Reporting to Court
Find out where to go and what to expect on the day of your service.
Jury Selection in Criminal Cases: For felony cases, a panel of 30 jurors is selected, with 42 jurors for death penalty cases. Each juror is examined by both parties, and lawyers may strike jurors as allowed by law. In misdemeanor cases, 12 jurors are selected, with the state striking two names and the defendant’s counsel striking four.
Burden of Proof:
In criminal cases, the state must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A “reasonable doubt” is based on logic and reason, not mere speculation.
In civil cases, the plaintiff must prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence — meaning the evidence must outweigh the opposing side’s.
Sentencing: In misdemeanor cases, the judge sets the sentence. In felony cases, the judge also sets the sentence, while the jury determines the defendant’s guilt or innocence.
- Filing the Case: The party bringing a lawsuit is the plaintiff, while the defendant is the person being sued. The case begins when the plaintiff files a complaint, and the defendant responds with an answer.
- Jury Selection: In civil cases, a panel of 24 jurors is selected, and those with biases or conflicts are excused. The process of “striking” jurors reduces the panel to 12 or 6, depending on the court.
- Presenting Evidence: The plaintiff presents their case first, followed by the defendant. Afterward, each side may offer rebuttal evidence. Testimony is typically presented orally, and if a witness is unavailable, their prior testimony may be read into the record.
- The Verdict: After hearing the evidence and final arguments, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law. The jury then deliberates and reaches a verdict, which must be unanimous. Jurors should be open-minded, willing to change their opinions if persuaded by compelling arguments.
In criminal cases, the state prosecutes the defendant, and the case is typically tried in the same way as civil cases, with similar procedures for presenting evidence and selecting jurors. However, criminal cases involve accusations of law violations, with the defendant denying the charges or offering a defense.
Juror Conduct
- During the Trial: Jurors should avoid discussing the case with anyone or among themselves until deliberations begin. They should not accept favors from parties involved in the case and should report any improper contact to the court.
- In the Jury Room: Once deliberations begin, the jury selects a foreperson to lead discussions and ensure the process is orderly. The foreperson also signs the verdict. Jurors should approach deliberations with an open mind and respect for others’ opinions.
Unlike a trial jury, the grand jury does not decide guilt or punishment. Instead, it determines whether there is enough evidence to indict a potential defendant. Grand juries usually consider serious felony cases and consist of 16 to 23 jurors. A majority (at least 12) must agree to indict or issue a presentment.