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FAQs

  • How long will I be required to report for jury duty?

    You will be required to report for the duration of the case. In most trials you should know by the end of the first day whether you have been selected to sit on the jury and hear the case. If you are not selected you will be released by the court with instructions as to when to call or report back. In most of our court locations jurors are subject to being instructed to report at any point in a two (2) week time frame.

  • What time will I leave at the end of the day?

    A typical jury day begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m.  Your schedule will depend on the court’s schedule.

  • If I serve on a trial, is my service over after the trial is completed?

    In most cases this is correct.  There are times when it might be necessary for you to report for jury selection for another trial.

  • I don't live in the parish where I have to report for jury service. Do I still have to submit my information or report for jury service?

    Yes, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana covers 48 parishes throughout the State of Louisiana thus requiring jurors to cross parish lines to report for jury duty.  This is Federal Court and not State/Parish Court.  We have jurors reporting in Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe & Shreveport.

  • How do I request to be excused?

    All requests must be submitted to the court in writing OR by using the eJuror program.  All documentation sent to the court must include your 9-digit participant number.  After you submit your request, please be patient and allow the court a few days to process your information.  The submission of a medical letter or excuse does not guarantee the court will grant the request. Each request is processed on an individual basis.

    If you received a QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE POSTCARD, submit your request using the eJuror program.  Documentation in support of your request may be sent to the Jury Administrator via email to juryinfo@lawd.uscourts.gov or via fax at 318-676-3962. All documentation sent to the court must include your 9-digit participant number. 

    If you received a QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE Form, you may submit your request using the eJuror program or return your completed form with your request in the enclosed prepaid envelope.  Documentation in support of your request may be sent to the Jury Administrator via email to juryinfo@lawd.uscourts.gov or via fax at 318-676-3962.  All documentation sent to the court must include your 9-digit participant number. 

    If you received a JURY SUMMONS to appear for jury service on a specific date, you should refer to your court location instruction sheet enclosed with your summons packet. You should submit your request using the eJuror program or return your completed form with your written request in the enclosed prepaid envelope.  Documentation in support of your request should be sent to the court location of where you are scheduled to report.  Each court's instruction sheet includes the court location address, telephone number, fax number and email address. Court specific instruction sheets may be found on our website under the JUROR Tab titled as "Jury Duty - Location Division".

  • May I request an excuse or postponement over the telephone?

    No. All requests must be submitted in writing to the court BEFORE the date you are scheduled to appear.  All correspondence with the court should include your 9-digit participant number.

  • Why wasn’t my request to be excused granted?

    Excusal requests are reveiwed on an individual basis and are not automatically granted. You must complete your questionnaire or summons information before the court will consider a request. You must elaborate your reasons for your excuse on a separate sheet of paper. Medical excuses require a recent letter from your doctor stating what your medical condition is and why it will prevent you from serving as a juror. All correspondence submitted to the court should include your 9-digit participant number.

    QUALIFICATION PROCESS: When the court grants or denys your request, the court will be unable to provide with excusal results. If the court determines your circumstance will prohibit you from serving for the duration of the four (4) year Jury Master Wheel, you will be disqualified. If the court determines your circumstance will not prohibit you from serving within the (4) year timeframe, you will be considered a qualified juror.

    JURY SUMMONS:  When the court takes action on your request regarding a jury summons, you will be notified by mail, e-mail or by phone. If you do not receive a response, you are required to report as instructed on the jury summons. You may call the Jury Messaging System (1-866-847-4954) to check on the status of your excuse. If you do not receive a response, you are required to report as instructed on the jury summons.

  • May I mail in my information even if the time period to return my form has elapsed?

    Yes, to avoid further delay, you should complete your information online using the court’s eJuror program. You may return the form in the self-addressed prepaid envelope. However, a late response provides the court less time to process your information. If you are requesting an excuse, the court may not get back to you on time. Include a daytime telephone number where you can be reached.

  • What is a grand jury?

    A grand jury is a group of 16 to 23 citizens who typically serve a term of 18 months. Grand jury members and proceedings are highly confidential and not disclosed. A grand jury is presented with case information from the federal government. The role of a grand jury is to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the individual committed a crime and should be put on trial.

  • What is a petit jury?

    A trial jury is also called a petit jury. This is a group of selected jurors, people who determine any question or issue of fact in a civil or criminal case according to law and the evidence introduced at the trial.

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