Who is qualified to serve as a juror?

A person is deemed qualified to serve as a juror UNLESS the person:

1. is not a United States citizen;
2. is not 18 years of age or older;
3. has not resided in the Northern District of Iowa for the past year;
4. is unable to read, write, speak or understand the English language;
5. is incapable, because of mental or physical infirmity, to render satisfactory jury service; or
6. has a charge pending for the commission of, or has been convicted in a state or federal court of record of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and whose civil rights have not been restored.

Who is exempt from jury service?

1. Members in the Armed Forces of the United States who are on active duty;
2. Members of any governmental police or fire department (not including volunteer or non-governmental departments); or
3. Elected public officials of the federal, state or local government, who are actively engaged in the full-time performance of public duties; or persons directly appointed by an elected official.

Who may be excused from jury service?

Upon written request, individuals may be excused for the following reasons:

1. Over age 70;
2. Persons who have served as a federal juror within the last 2 years; or
3. A person who serves without compensation as a volunteer firefighter or member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew for a federal, state or local government agency.