GR 28
  Jury Service Postponement, Excusal, and Disqualification


[a]    Scope of rule. This rule addresses the procedures
  for postponing and excusing jury service under RCW
  2.36.100 and 2.36.110 and for disqualifying potential
  jurors under RCW 2.36.070 (basic statutory
  qualifications).

[b]    Delegation of authority to postpone, excuse, or
  disqualify.

  (1)    The judges of a court may delegate to court staff
     and county clerks their authority to disqualify,
     postpone, or excuse a potential juror from jury
     service.

  (2)    Any delegation of authority under this rule must
     be written and must specify the criteria for making
     these decisions.

  (3)    Judges may not delegate decision-making authority
     over any grounds for peremptory challenges or
     challenges for cause that fall outside the scope of
     this rule.

[c] Grounds for postponement of service.

  (1)  Postponement of service for personal or work-related
     inconvenience should be liberally granted when
     requested in a timely manner.

  (2)    Postponement shall be to a specified period of
     time within the twelve-month period pursuant to RCW
     2.36.100(2).

[d]    Grounds for excusal from service.

   (1) Excusal from jury service shall be limited and shall
     be allowed only when justified by the criteria
     established in RCW 2.36.100(1) and 2.36.110.

[e]  Grounds for disqualification of potential jurors.

[Reserved.  See RCW 2.36.070.]


[Adopted effective October 1, 2002]