Who may be called to serve as a juror?
How long will I have to serve?
Will I be required to live away from home during jury duty?
Do I have to explain or justify my verdict to anyone after the trial is over?
What happens if a person ignores a summons to jury service?
When I'm summoned as a juror, what am I supposed to do?
What should I do if being a juror at that time would create a hardship for me?
May I take notes during the trial?
Will I get paid for jury duty?
What do I do about overtime parking while I'm in the courthouse on jury duty?
What should I do if I'm late and can't get to the courthouse before the trial?
What should I wear to court?
For more information, see the Juror's Handbook and the Trial Procedure Information page
Who may be called to serve as a juror?
You may be called to serve if you are at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, and a resident of Northampton County.
How long will I have to serve?
Northampton County Court follows a "one day, one trial" procedure. That is, if you are not chosen to serve on a jury on the day you report, you will not have to return a second day. If you are chosen to serve on a jury, you will have to return for all sessions of the trial. Most trials take less than five days to complete.
Will I be required to live away from home during jury duty?
It is exceedingly rare that jurors are sequestered in a hotel during a trial. In virtually every case, jurors are allowed to return home at the end of the court day.
Do I have to explain or justify my verdict to anyone after the trial is over?
No. Pennsylvania law provides that a juror is not required to answer anyone concerning a jury decision. If asked, you may respond, "No comment."
What happens if a person ignores a summons to jury service?
The law provides that such conduct is contempt of court punishable by fine and imprisonment.
When I'm summoned as a juror, what am I supposed to do?
You will receive notice of the date and time you are required to appear at the courthouse. Please complete the questionnaire promptly and send return mail.
What should I do if being a juror at that time would create a hardship for me?
Only those persons for whom jury service would be an extreme hardship may be excused. If you have a serious problem, write or visit the clerk's office at once. The clerk will tell you how to apply for an excuse from jury duty.
May I take notes during the trial?
In Pennsylvania, you may not take notes.
Will I get paid for jury duty?
Yes. Upon being summoned to the courthouse and answering the roll, Pennsylvania law provides you are entitled to receive per diem compensation even if you are not selected to serve on the jury. If you are seated, you will receive $9.00 for each day of service for the first three days, and $25.00 for each day thereafter, plus mileage. Checks will be sent within 30 days.
What do I do about overtime parking while I'm in the courthouse on jury duty?
There is convenient parking in the adjoining parking structure or nearby county-owned parking areas. Parking spaces can become scarce, and early arrival is recommended. The County is unable to pay for city overtime parking tickets issued at metered space around the facility. Metered spaces should be avoided by jurors. You may call the Jury Clerk for parking information at 559-3739.
What should I do if I'm late and can't get to the courthouse before the trial?
If you are on a jury and are not on time, the trial can't start and everyone must wait. Each juror must hear all the evidence in order to reach a decision. If you do not have a reasonable excuse, you can be penalized. So, if something delays you unavoidably, telephone the Court Administrator or Jury Clerk as soon as possible.
What should I wear to court?
Wear clean comfortable clothes you would wear to an important business meeting. You should be comfortable. A good rule of thumb is to avoid extremes, although one can never go wrong wearing a business suit or dress.
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