FLOYDCOUNTYGA.ORG
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The right to trial by jury is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and is considered a highly important safeguard for the individual citizen. The principle of trial by jury is that a decision reached by 12 disinterested persons is more likely to be fair and just than a decision reached by a single judge. Your job as a juror is to listen to all the evidence presented at trial, then to decide what evidence seems most valid and credible to you. You “decide the facts” of the case. It is the judge’s job to “decide the law”---to make decisions about what evidence is admissible and other legal issues that come up during the trial. All must do their job well if our system of trial by jury is to work. You do not need special knowledge or ability to be a juror. You need only to keep an open mind, listen carefully to the evidence presented, and be fair and honest in your deliberations. We hope you find your experience as a juror interesting and satisfying. It is an important duty of citizenship, and we appreciate your service. EMPLOYER INFORMATION
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Juror service is normally for one week, however, if you are participating in a trial, and it is not completed by the end of the week, you may be required to report the following week until the case has been completed. On the day before you are summoned to report for jury duty, you should call the jury call-in number (291-5155) for any final instructions or changes to the number of jurors needing to report. For call-in purposes, each juror is assigned a juror summons number and that number can be located on the top left corner of your summons. New Security Measures at Courthouse How was I chosen? Your name was randomly selected (by computer) from voter registration and driver’s license records. Generally, all U.S. Citizens age 18 and older are liable for jury duty in the county in which they reside. You must be able to communicate in English. If you have ever been convicted of a felony, you must have had your rights restored. You were chosen because you are eligible and able to serve. What happens when I report for jury duty? Jurors are instructed to report to the jury assembly room. The jury manager will call role, and give you an over-view of the week ahead. The presiding judge will come into the assembly room to address the jurors and answer any questions. You will stay in the assembly room where we provide coffee, water, and magazines until you are called by panels to go into the courtroom for jury selection. You are welcome to bring a book to read while waiting in the jury assembly room, and restrooms are located close by. What's next? In the courtroom, the judge will tell you about the case, and introduce the lawyers and others who are involved in it. Next is the questioning process called voir dire, which means “to speak the truth.” Counsel from both sides will question you and other members of the panel to find out if you have any knowledge about the case, any personal interest in it, or any feelings that might make it hard for you to be impartial. Usually a panel of twelve jurors is selected to serve on a case. How long will I serve? Jury service is for one week or until the completion of the trial if you are on a case that goes beyond one week. Most of our trials last no more than a day or two – some less than a day. You may serve on more than one jury during your juror service week. If chosen to serve on a jury, please arrive on time and return promptly after breaks and lunch. The trial cannot proceed until all jurors are present. What should I wear? Dress comfortably. Suits and ties, heels and skirts, are not necessary. But don’t get too informal – shorts, halter or tank tops are not appropriate in court. Hats are not allowed unless worn for religious purposes. What if I have an emergency? Because your absence could delay a trial, it is important that you report each day you are required to. If a real emergency occurs – a sudden illness, accident or death in the family – tell the court staff immediately so that the trial can be scheduled around you. What types of cases will I hear? Jury cases are either criminal or civil. Civil cases are disputes between private citizens, corporations, governments, government agencies, or organizations. Usually, the party that brings the suit is asking for money damages for some alleged wrong that has been done. The party that brings the suit is called the plaintiff; the one being sued is called the defendant. A criminal case is brought by the state, or city, or county against one or more persons accused of committing a crime. In these cases, the state, city, or county is the plaintiff, and the accused person is the defendant. Superior Court Jury Clerk..... 291-5193 For each day you serve or are required to report, you will be paid $25.00. Your pay is mailed to you following the week you served as a juror. As a juror in the Superior Court you have the unique opportunity to give back even more to your community through the Juror Fee Donation Program. You may designate all or a part of your juror compensation to go to one of five local organizations for improvements to the programs and services they offer. Local programs such as Parks and Recreation, Open Door Home, Humane Society, back to top Free parking is provided to jurors in the Law Enforcement Parking Deck, located between back to top Please report to the Jury Assembly Room, Room 308, on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse before 8:30 a.m. On the 3rd floor, Bailiffs will direct you to the jury assembly room where you will check in and receive preliminary instructions.
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