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FAQs

  • Who is considered qualified for jury service?

    To be qualified for jury service, a person must be a citizen of the United States; at least 18 years of age; able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language; and must reside in the Western District of Louisiana.

  • How did the court obtain my name for jury service?

    Every four (4) years the Clerk of Court retrieves the voter registration lists from the Secretary of State to build a Master Jury Wheel.  After the Master Jury Wheel has been created, the court randomly selects names to build a qualified jury wheel in accordance with federal law.

  • What types of cases are tried in federal court?

    Both civil and criminal cases are tried in U.S. District Courts. The specific kinds of cases are set forth in Article III of the U.S. Constitution and in federal statutes. These are controversies to which the United States is a party and controversies between two or more States. The federal courts also decide cases involving constitutional rights, laws enacted by Congress, treaties, and laws relating to navigable waters. Suits between citizens of different states may be heard in the U.S. Courts only if the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.00. Typical criminal charges in federal court are those involving violation of income tax and narcotics laws, mail theft, crimes committed on federal property, and counterfeiting. The federal criminal code, including offenses involving violent crimes, property, drugs, firearms and explosives, sexual crimes, immigration, and justice system offenses.

  • I paid the readmission fee. Why can't I e-file?

    If you did not pay the readmission fee within 60 days after your renewal date, your e-filing privileges will have been locked out.  Once you pay the fee, the system will update your e-filing status that night, and you will be able to e-file the next day.  Please DO NOT wait until you have a deadline to pay the readmission fee.

  • What is the purpose of the Civil Pro Bono Panel?

    The Panel is being formed to further the just and efficient administration of the Court's docket by assisting inmates who cannot afford private counsel in prosecuting their cases, and to provide pro bono attorneys with an opportunity to gain experience in federal court, particularly during jury trials.

  • How are Panel members selected?

    Licensed attorneys admitted to practice in the Western District of Louisiana may complete the Panel application. The Program Coordinator will review applications and determine eligibility to participate on the Panel. No federal litigation experience is necessary to participate on the Panel, although any relevant experience will be considered an asset.

  • What obligations do Panel members assume by signing up?

    Applicants to the Panel are agreeing to join the Panel only. Panel members will be notified of any potential appointment, may volunteer to accept an appointment, and may decline to accept an appointment for a variety of reasons, including a conflict of interest, another recent appointment, or a busy work schedule.

  • How are cases assigned?

    Panel members will be contacted by the Program Coordinator for potential appointments, but selected for final appointment by the Magistrate Judge assigned to the case. By the time a panel appointment is made, an initial determination has been made that the inmate's claim is not frivolous. The case will have also survived dispositive motions or passed through the period for filing dispositive motions.

  • What types of cases will be assigned?

    During the Pilot Program, only cases filed by pro se inmates will be eligible for appointments. These cases usually involve civil rights claims challenging the inmate's conditions of confinement or the use of force.

  • How often will cases be assigned?

    The Court does not anticipate a large number of overall appointments during the Pilot Program. Accordingly, a Panel member can safely plan to take no more than one or two appointments per year.

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