A Juror's Guide

Welcome to jury service!

Your job as a juror is to listen to all the evidence presented at trial, then decide the facts. The judge's job is to decide the law -- make decisions on legal issues that come up during the trial. Everyone has to do their job well if our system of trial by jury is to work.

You don't need special knowledge or ability to do your job. It is enough that you keep an open mind, use common sense, concentrate on the evidence presented (there is no homework,) and be fair and honest in your deliberations.

You must base your decision solely on the evidence and not on sympathy or prejudice. It is critical that you begin your service unbiased toward any party, lawyer, or witness and that you keep an open mind until you have heard all the evidence and begin jury deliberations.

We hope you find your experience as a juror interesting and satisfying. Thanks for your willingness to serve!

Prepared by the Washington Pattern Jury Instruction Committee, the Superior Court Judges' Association and the District & Municipal Court Judges' Association of the State of Washington.


How was I chosen?

First, your name was selected at random from voter registration and driver's license and "identicard" records. Then, your answers to the juror questionnaire were evaluated to make sure you were eligible for jury service.

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror, and you must be able to communicate in English. If you have ever been convicted of a felony, you must have had your civil rights restored. Those eligible may be excused from jury service if they have illnesses that would interfere with their ability to do a good job, would suffer great hardship if required to serve, or are unable to serve for other legitimate reasons.

In short, you were chosen because you are eligible and able to serve. You are now part of the "jury pool" -- a group of citizens from which trial juries are chosen.


What's next?

In the courtroom, your judge will tell you about the case, then introduce the lawyers and others who are involved in it. You will also take an oath, in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully.

After you're sworn in, the judge and the lawyers will question you and other members of the panel to find out if you have any knowledge about the case, any personal interest in it, or any feelings that might make it hard for you to be impartial.

Though some of the questions may seem personal, you should answer them completely and honestly.

If you are uncomfortable answering them, tell the judge.

Remember: Questions are not asked to embarrass you. They are intended to make sure members of the jury have no opinions or past experiences which might prevent them from making an impartial decision.


How long will I serve?

How many days and hours you work as a juror depends on the jury selection system in your county. The judge may vary daily working hours to accommodate witnesses who have special travel or schedule problems.

You may be struck by how much waiting you have to do. For example, you may have to wait before you are placed on a jury. During trial, you may have to wait in the jury room while the judge and the lawyers settle questions of law.

Judges and other courtroom personnel will do everything they can to minimize the waiting both before and during trial. Your understanding is appreciated.


Can I go home during the trial?

Usually. But in extremely rare cases, you may be "sequestered" during the trial or during jury deliberations. This is done to assure that jurors don't hear or see something about the case that wasn't mentioned in court.


Might I be called but not sit on a jury?

Yes. Sometimes parties in a case settle their differences only moments before the trial is scheduled to begin. In such instances you will be excused with the thanks of the court.


What should I wear?

Dress comfortably. Suits, ties and other, more formal wear are not necessary. But don't get too informal -- beach wear, shorts, halter or tank tops are not appropriate in court. Hats may not be allowed unless worn for religious or medical purposes.


If I have a disability....?

We are committed to making jury service accessible. For disability accomodation, contact the jury administrator or a member of court staff.


What about my job?

Employers must provide a sufficient leave of absence from employment when an employee is summoned for jury duty. Employers may not deprive an employee of employment or threaten, coerce, or harass an employee or deny an employee promotional opportunities for serving as a juror. The law does not say your employer has to pay you while you serve.


What if I have an emergency?

Because your absence could delay a trial, it is important that you report each day you are required to. If a real emergency occurs -- a sudden illness, accident or death in the family -- call or email the court staff immediately.


What types of cases may I hear?

Jury cases are either criminal or civil.

Civil cases

Civil cases are disputes between private citizens, corporations, governments, government agencies, or other organizations. Usually, the party that brings the suit is asking for money damages for an alleged wrong. For example, a person who has been injured may sue the person or company they who believe is responsible for the injury.

The party who brings the suit is called the plaintiff, the one being sued is called the defendant.

Criminal cases

A criminal case is brought by the state, or a city or county against one or more persons accused of committing a crime. In these cases, the state, city, or county is the plaintiff; and the accused person is the defendant.


Some do's and don'ts

During trial:

1. DO arrive on time and DO return promptly after breaks and lunch. The trial cannot proceed until all jurors are present.

2. DO pay close attention. If you cannot hear what is being said, raise your hand and let the judge know.

3. DO keep an open mind all through the trial.

4. DO listen carefully to the instructions read by the judge. Remember, it is your duty to accept what the judge says about the law to be applied to the case.

5. DON'T try to guess what the judge thinks about the case. Remember that rulings from the bench do not reflect the judge's personal views.

6. DON'T talk about the case, or issues raised by the case with anyone--including other jurors--while the trial is going on, and DON'T let others talk about the case in your presence, even family members. If someone insists on talking to you or another juror about the case, please report the matter to a court employee. These rules are designed to help you keep an open mind during the trial.

7. DON'T talk to the lawyers, parties, or witnesses about anything. This will avoid the impression that something unfair is going on.

8. DON'T try to uncover evidence on your own. Never, for example, go to the scene of an event that was part of the case you are hearing.

9. DO NOT receive or send electronic communications about the case. This includes texting, emailing, blogging, tweeting, posting information on social network websites, or using any other electronic communications to discuss or even mention this case.

10. DO NOTconduct internet research, do not use the internet to seek information about any aspect of this case.


During deliberation:

1. DO work out differences between yourself and other jurors through complete and fair discussions of
the evidence and of the judge's instructions. DON'T lose your temper, try to bully or refuse to listen to the opinions of other jurors.

2. DON'T mark or write on exhibits or otherwise change or injure them.

3. DON'T draw straws, flip coins or otherwise arrive at your verdict by chance, or the decision will be illegal.

4. DON'T talk to anyone about your deliberations or about the verdict until the judge discharges the jury. After discharge, you may discuss the verdict and the deliberations with anyone, including the media, the lawyers, or your family. But DON'T feel obligated to do so.

5. DON'T use electronic devices during deliberation. If you need additional information, the contact information for local courts can be found at https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/


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