A JUROR'S GUIDE TO JURY SERVICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURTS OF WISCONSIN
WELCOME!
You've been chosen for jury service in a Wisconsin Circuit Court. The right to a trial by jury is the cornerstone of our country's justice system. As a juror, you have a vital role to play in this state's court system!
Have questions? Listed below are some of the most common questions asked. More questions? Feel free to ask your Clerk, Angeline Sylla. She will be happy to help.
Why not? Trial by jury is a cherished constitutional right. Every resident of an area served by a curcuit court who is at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and able to understand English is qualified to serve as a juror.
No person who is qualified and able to serve may be excluded on the basis of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, income, age, ancestry or physical condition.
A person selected for jury service must be selected at random from a master listing using the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's list of people with motor vehicle licenses or identification cards who live in the area served by that circuit court.
All qualified people must have an equal chance to be considered for jury duty...and the obligation to serve as jurors when summoned.
Yes, - - in most instances. The law requires all qualified state citizens be available to serve as jurors. Not all persons summoned actually serve as a juror. A person may not be selected as a result of a process known as "voir dire" (vwa deer) whereby the parties in the case (and the judge in some circumstances) ask questions to determine a potential juror's qualifications or degree of impartiality to serve on a particular trail.
The court may excuse a person from jury service if the court determines the person cannot fulfill the responsibilities of a juror. If the court determinations jury service would entail undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, serious obstruction or delay of justice, the court may defer service to a later date set by the court. The court may require a person document the basis for any excuse or deferral.
One month in a 4-year period. No person can be required to serve/attend court as a juror for more than 5 days unless more days are needed to complete a specific trial.
Counties having a one day or one trial system may require a person serve/attend court for potential service as a juror no more than one day in specified period, unless more days are needed to complete service in a specific case.
Once summoned to serve as a potential juror you will receive more detailed information regarding parking, pay, floor/room location... and a phone number to call to find out what actual day and time you should report as summoned.
Jury service is a civic duty. State law protects your job. Your employer can't fire you, demote you, threaten or intimidate you because of jury service.
Yes. Every juror summoned is paid an amount set by the county board $20.00 for each day of attendance. The may also pay jurors by the half-day. ($10.00) A mileage rate is also paid for each mile traveled going to and from the court by the most usual route.
Dress comfortably, but avoid extremes in dress; for instance, ragged cutoff jeans/T-shirts or clothing with inappropriate or offensive writing on them. There are usually no prescribed dress codes, but judges have been known to order people to reappear in appropriate attire. Your summons may have specific instructions on dress requirements.
Resolving legal disputes can be complex and unpredictable work. Often, cases are settled at the very last minute. When the jury is actually ready to hear the case, the parties often work out a last-minute compromise rather than gamble on what the jury will decide. These settlements may seem very inconvenient to you, but such settlements usually save time for all trail participants - and saves the taxpayers' money. And yes -- you may want to bring something to read -- it will help make the time pass.
If you have a disability which will require an accommodation by the court to allow you to serve as a juror, please contact as soon as possible the Clerk of Circuit Court Office.
Most trials last only one day. When a trial does last longer, the judge usually adjourns so that you can return home each day at a reasonable hour. Rarely are you required to stay overnight. More questions or concerns about your jury service? Call the Clerk of Circuit Court, Angeline Sylla (715) 538-2311 Ext. 240.
Visit the Wisconsin Court System website at www.courts.state.wi.us and look for The Wisconsin Jury Handbook.