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First Day - What to Expect?

Being summoned for jury duty can be intimidating.  Here is a preview of the first day:

  • You should plan to arrive at the courthouse at least 15 minutes before your reporting time.  The courthouse opens at 7:30 am.  A common mistake is going to the state courthouse, not the federal courthouse.  Be sure to check the address on your summons rather than relying on where you think the courthouse might be.
  • Please review the enclosed documentation included with your 'Notice to Appear' letter for parking instructions.
  • You cannot bring a cell phone or electronic device into the courthouse.  You will be asked to take your electronic device(s) back to your car if you bring one with you.
  • You should dress in courtroom-appropriate attire, akin to business or church attire.  You should bring a sweater or jacket because the courthouses can get very cold.  You should bring something to read during downtime.  Once the trial starts, certain reading material may be off-limits (the presiding judge will give you instructions on what you can and cannot read).  There are vending machines in the courthouses but no cafeterias.  There are refrigerators to store your own food, if you are selected as a juror.
  • Once you arrive, you will pass through a security checkpoint.  Have your identification and summons ready for review.  From the checkpoint, you will be directed to the jury assembly room.
  • In the jury assembly room, you will be greeted by a staff member and you will have an opportunity to ask questions after a brief orientation.
  • From the jury assembly room, you will be escorted to a courtroom to participate in jury selection.  Depending on the case, jury selection can last one to three hours.  At the end, you will either be excused from service or selected to serve on the jury.

 

 Jury-First Day - What to Expect Jury FAQ
How can I get proof of service to give to my employer?

During the check-in process you will have an opportunity to obtain an attendance certificate for your employer.  If you are selected as a juror, you will have an opportunity to request a certificate which will be provided at the end of the trial.

 

 

 Jury-Employer and Employment Protection Jury FAQ
Is my employer obligated to pay me during jury service?

Prior to reporting, please check with your employer regarding their jury duty policy.  Such policies are entirely discretionary with employers; employers are not specifically obligated to continue juror's regular pay during jury service.

 

 

 Jury-Employer and Employment Protection Jury FAQ
What if my employer does not want me to serve on a jury?

In accordance with Title 28, U.S.C. § 1875, "no employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee's jury service... in any court of the United States."  If the employer violates this law, he/she may be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation and shall be liable for damages for any loss of wages or other benefits suffered by an employee.  Jury service is a citizen's obligation, and the employer has to provide the employee with the time to serve.

 

 

 Jury-Employer and Employment Protection Jury FAQ
Will I be paid for jury service?

Yes.  Jurors receive $50 per day for jury service.  If applicable, you will also be reimbursed for mileage and per diem.

 

 

 Jury-Jury Fees & Expenses Jury FAQ
Can I bring a family member or friend with me?

Yes, it is acceptable to be accompanied by a family member or friend.  They may sit in the back of the courtroom during jury selection, however, they should not sit among the other prospective jurors.  Please remember to follow the judge's instructions about not discussing the court proceedings with family members or friends during breaks.

 

 

 Jury-First Day - What to Expect Jury FAQ
How long is the typical jury day and will there be breaks?

A normal jury day will begin between 8:00 and 9:00 am and will end at either 2:30 or 5:00 pm.  Once the jury is in deliberation, the times may vary.

Yes, there will be breaks during the trial.  Depending on the trial judge, the trial schedule will run from 9:00 - 5:00 with 2-15 minute breaks and an hour lunch or the trial will run from 8:30 to 2:30 with 2-20 minute breaks and no lunch.

Occasionally, a trial will extend past 5:00 pm in order, for example, to complete a line of testimony.

 

 

 Jury-First Day - What to Expect Jury FAQ
How long will the trial last?

The length of each trial depends on the complexity of the case.  Generally, trials last between three and four days.  The judge will inform prospective jurors during jury selection as to the anticipated length of trial.  If you have a serious conflict with serving during the dates of trial, it is imperative that you inform the judge during jury selection.  The trial may begin immediately after jury selection, so please plan accordingly.

 

 

 Jury-First Day - What to Expect Jury FAQ
Can I bring my children with me?

Please do not bring children to the courthouse.  Childcare is not provided.

 

 

 Jury-General Information Jury FAQ
What if I do not have transportation?

You are responsible for providing your own transportation to the courthouse.  If you cannot drive yourself, you should arrange to take a bus or alternate transportation.  You may call the jury office to inquire about carpool arrangements.  Jurors reporting to Cedar Rapids should call (319) 286-2314.  Jurors reporting to Sioux City should call (712) 233-3936.  If arrangements cannot be made, you may submit a written request to be excused for the court's review.

 

 

 Jury-General Information Jury FAQ
Where should I park?

 

 

 Jury-General Information Jury FAQ
How do I get to the courthouse?

Cedar Rapids Courthouse Driving Directions

Sioux City Courthouse Driving Directions

 

 

 Jury-General Information Jury FAQ
Are electronic devices (cell phones) allowed in the courthouse?

No, cellphones and similar electronic devices are not allowed in the courthouse.  You will not be allowed to enter the building if you bring one with you and will be asked to take it back to your vehicle.

 

 

 Jury-General Information Jury FAQ
Why must I call or check online the night before my scheduled appearance?

The court's schedule may change at the last minute because a trial may settle or be rescheduled.  To insure the court utilizes your time properly, we ask that you call the Automated Jury Information System (AJIS) at (319) 286-2302 for Cedar Rapids or (712) 233-8912 for Sioux City after 4:30 pm the evening before your scheduled appearance.  If your appearance is canceled, you may receive another written notice of a future appearance date during your term of service.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What if I cannot respond to the jury questionnaire/summons within 5 days?

The court understands if you are out of town or have other circumstances that may slow your response time.  We ask you to return the questionnaire/summons at the soonest date possible.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What if I do not have a return addressed envelope?

You may return it to the court by addressing it to:

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa

111 Seventh Avenue SE, Box 12

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

or

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa

320 Sixth Street, Room 301

Sioux City, Iowa 51101

 

 

 

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What if the jury mail is addressed to a person who is:

No longer living at this address?

If you can provide an updated/current address, please write the new address and return it to the court.  If you do not know the person or do not have a forwarding address, please write "Return to Sender" and return it to the court.

 

Deceased?

Please write "Deceased" on the envelope and return it to the court.

 

Is a student or in the military?

If the person is a student (in or out of state) and still has a permanent address in the Northern District of Iowa, they are still qualified to serve.  The student or military member may complete the questionnaire/summons online, or a parent/guardian may complete the form on their behalf, sign and date the document and return it to the court.

 

 

No longer lives in the Northern District of Iowa?

Please provide the updated/current address on the envelope and return it to the court.  We will remove the name from our list of potential jurors.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What if I have a scheduled appointment or vacation?

Upon receiving a Summons for Jury Service, you will be instructed to inform the court of any dates you will be unavailable during your term of service.  The court will honor any reasonable request.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What if I am over 70 years of age?

Upon request, you may be excused from jury service if you are over 70 years of age and do not wish to serve.  No additional documentation is required.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What if I have a medical condition that prevents me from serving?

You may be excused from jury service for a medical condition if you submit a current statement from your doctor indicating you are unable to serve as a juror.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What happens if I don't report for jury duty?

Any juror who fails to report for jury duty may be served by the U.S. Marshal's Service with an Order to Show Cause.  Jurors who fail to show adequate cause for their absence from jury duty can be held in contempt of court under the Jury Selection Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1966(g).  Penalties range from a fine of $100 to three days in jail or both.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What if I am called for grand jury?

The grand jury is different from the trial jury (also known as the petit jury).  The terms and purposes of service are different.  Citizens called for grand jury duty should contact the jury administrator at (319) 286-2314 with specific questions.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
Who is exempt from jury service?

1. Members of 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).

3. Elected public officials of the federal, state and local government, who are actively engaged in the full-time performance of public duties; or persons directly appointed by an elected official.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
Will I be called again for jury service?

If you appear for jury service and are not selected, the chance of being called again during your term of service is possible and you may be called to appear more than once.  The court makes every effort to minimize numerous appearances and tries to utilize your time properly.  Once your term of service is over or you have served on a trial, you will not be called for federal jury service for 2 years.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
How many people are selected for jury service?

The number of jurors selected depends on the type of case.  For a civil trial, six to eight jurors may be selected.  For a criminal trial, twelve to fourteen jurors may be selected.

 

 

 Jury-First Day - What to Expect Jury FAQ
What happens during the jury selection process?

Once you are seated in the courtroom, the judge will inform you about the case and introduce the lawyers and others involved.  You will also take an oath in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully.  After you are sworn in, you will begin a questioning process called voir dire, which means "to speak the truth".  During voir dire, the judge and counsel will ask the potential jurors questions to determine if anyone has prior knowledge of the case, if anyone knows the parties, if any potential jurors have a personal interest in the case or have any feelings that may make it hard as a juror to be impartial.  Though some of the questions may seem personal, please answer them completely and honestly.  Questions can be answered privately by requesting that your answer be provided at side-bar.

Remember: questions are not asked to be embarrassing and are intended to make sure members of the jury have no opinions or past experiences which may prevent anyone from making an impartial decision.

 

 

 Jury-First Day - What to Expect Jury FAQ
How long does jury selection take?

Generally, if prospective jurors report prior to 9:00 am, jury selection is completed by noon.  The completion of jury selection may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

 

 

 Jury-First Day - What to Expect Jury FAQ
Why should I serve as a juror?

Anyone who is involved in a civil dispute or accused of a crime has a consitutional right to have a jury decide their case.  As a juror, you fulfill a civic obligation and help make important decisions affecting people's lives and issues that concern your community.  Jurors who have previously served have expressed how interesting and important their experience was and their willingness to serve again in the future.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What are the qualifications to serve as a federal juror?

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.

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What if the weather is bad?

United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa's Weather Plan for Federal Jurors

 

 

 Jury-General Information Jury FAQ
What happens if I am late for jury service?

It is very important that you arrive on time.  If you are unavoidably delayed, please call the jury office immediately.  Jurors reporting in Cedar Rapids should call (319) 286-2314.  Jurors reporting in Sioux City should call (712) 233-3936.  The trial cannot begin until all jurors are present.

 

 

 Jury-General Information Jury FAQ
What if I am sick or have an emergency and cannot report as instructed?

If an emergency occurs such as a sudden illness, accident or death in the family, please contact the jury office immediately.  Jurors reporting in Cedar Rapids should call (319) 286-2314.  Jurors reporting in Sioux City should call (712) 233-3936.  You will be asked to submit in writing a letter explaining why you were unable to appear for jury service for the court to review.  If necessary, further documentation may be required.

 

 

 Jury-General Information Jury FAQ
What should I do after completing the Juror Qualification Questionnaire?

There is nothing further you need to do at this time.  Every two years, the court refills its jury wheel and mails approximately 22,000 qualification questionnaires.  The mailing originates from Cedar Rapids, however, depending on the county or residence, prospective jurors will report in either Cedar Rapids or Sioux City.  The answers provided in the juror qualification questionnaire determines who is qualified to serve as a juror.  If your name is randomly drawn from our jury wheel, a Summons for Jury Service will be mailed to you.  It is not guaranteed that you will receive a summons for an upcoming appearance.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
When should I report for jury service?

When your appearance is required, you will receive a 'Notice to Appear' letter in the mail, approximately two weeks prior to your appearance date.  Upon receiving the 'Notice to Appear' letter, you may call our Automated Jury Information System (AJIS) at (319) 286-2302 for Cedar Rapids or (712) 233-8912 for Sioux City to verify your current reporting status.  You will need your nine digit participant number, which is located on your summons and in the body of your 'Notice to Appear' letter.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
How was I selected to be a juror?

Your name was randomly selected from the certified list of registered voters, driver's licenses and state issued IDs obtained by the court from the State of Iowa.  Before potential jurors are summoned for service, their names are randomly selected and a juror questionnaire is mailed.  The juror questionnaire determines whether or not you met the legal qualifications for jury service. Individuals who receive questionnaires are required to complete and return the form to the Clerk's Office within 10 days, who then screens the completed questionnaire to determing eligibility for service.  For your convenience, this questionnaire can be filled out on this website by clicking eJuror.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
Do I still have to serve if I already served or have been called to serve in the state court?

Yes.  State and federal courts operate separately from one another; so your service in one court does not satisfy your obligation to the other.  However, if you are called to appear on the same date, you must appear for federal court jury duty and notify the state court of the conflict.

 

 

 Jury-Juror Qualification Jury FAQ
What should I wear and what should I bring with me when I report for jury duty?

Your responsibility as a juror is of utmost importance and your attire is indicative of that importance and the seriousness you attach to your duties.  Therefore, jurors are requested to dress in a manner that is respectful to the litigants and the court.  You may wear comfortable but appropriate business-like clothing.  Shorts, jeans, t-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts should not be worn.

A photo I.D. is required to enter the courthouse.  You may also bring books, magazines or study material.  These items must be put away during court proceedings.  ***Please note: cell phones, laptops and other electronic devices are not permitted in the courthouse.  Court security officers will screen for such equipment through the magnetometer immediately upon entering the courthouse.  Liquids are only permitted through security with a tightly sealed lid (ex. an open soda can is not allowed, however, a bottle of soda with a twist-on cap is allowed.)***

 

 

 Jury-General Information Jury FAQ