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The judge will inform prospective jurors during jury selection as to the anticipated length of trial. Generally, trials last between three and four days.
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The length of each trial depends on the complexity of the case. Occasionally, a trial will extend past 5:00 pm in order, for example, to complete a line of testimony. Depending on the trial judge, the trial schedule will run from 9:00 - 5:00 with 2-15 minute breaks and an hour lunch or the trial will run from 8:30 to 2:30 with 2-20 minute breaks and no lunch. Yes, there will be breaks during the trial.
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Once the jury is in deliberation, the times may vary. How long is the typical jury day and will there be breaks?Ī normal jury day will begin between 8:00 and 9:00 am and will end at either 2:30 or 5:00 pm. Please remember to follow the judge's instructions about not discussing the court proceedings with family members or friends during breaks. They may sit in the back of the courtroom during jury selection, however, they should not sit among the other prospective jurors. Yes, it is acceptable to be accompanied by a family member or friend. If applicable, you will also be reimbursed for mileage and per diem.Ĭan I bring a family member or friend with me? Jurors receive $50 per day for jury service. Jury service is a citizen's obligation, and the employer has to provide the employee with the time to serve. in any court of the United States." If the employer violates this law, he/she may be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation and shall be liable for damages for any loss of wages or other benefits suffered by an employee. § 1875, "no employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee's jury service. What if my employer does not want me to serve on a jury? Such policies are entirely discretionary with employers employers are not specifically obligated to continue juror's regular pay during jury service. Prior to reporting, please check with your employer regarding their jury duty policy. Is my employer obligated to pay me during jury service? If you are selected as a juror, you will have an opportunity to request a certificate which will be provided at the end of the trial. How can I get proof of service to give to my employer?ĭuring the check-in process you will have an opportunity to obtain an attendance certificate for your employer. At the end, you will either be excused from service or selected to serve on the jury. Depending on the case, jury selection can last one to three hours. From the jury assembly room, you will be escorted to a courtroom to participate in jury selection.In the jury assembly room, you will be greeted by a staff member and you will have an opportunity to ask questions after a brief orientation.From the checkpoint, you will be directed to the jury assembly room. Have your identification and summons ready for review. Once you arrive, you will pass through a security checkpoint.There are refrigerators to store your own food, if you are selected as a juror. There are vending machines in the courthouses but no cafeterias. Once the trial starts, certain reading material may be off-limits (the presiding judge will give you instructions on what you can and cannot read). You should bring something to read during downtime. You should bring a sweater or jacket because the courthouses can get very cold. You should dress in courtroom-appropriate attire, akin to business or church attire.You will be asked to take your electronic device(s) back to your car if you bring one with you.
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