13th Judicial CircuitJuror Frequently Asked Questions

How are individuals selected to be in a jury pool?

Jurors are selected from a Master Jury List created using registered voters and drivers licenses issued for the county for which the pool will be used. A specified number of names is selected at random to make up the jury pool. The names selected for the jury pool are then assigned to a one week term in Boone County and a two-week term in Callaway County. If a person is selected for service at any time during one year, that person will be ineligible for selection for 24 months. The law mandates the use of the "random selection" process. Even though a person is eligible every two years, surveys indicate that 60%-70% of persons who serve have no prior jury service.

How long should I plan to be available for service if I am notified that I am part of the jury pool?

Prospective jurors in Boone County will be required to be available for a one-week term. You will be notified in writing which week you must be available. This notice will be given approximately three weeks in advance.

Prospective jurors in Callaway County are required to be available for a two-week term. You will be notified in writing which weeks you must be available. This notice will be given approximately three weeks in advance. The notice will include instructions on how to make toll free calls to the courthouse at designated times to determine when your attendance may be required.

How are jurors selected to appear for service?

Jurors are selected to appear for service in a randomly assigned order from the pool, according to the number of jurors which it is anticipated will be needed for the time of service.

How will I know if I am required to appear for service?

You must call each evening Sunday through Thursday after 4:00 pm of your assigned week(s) to determine if you need to report for service the next morning.

Or you may inquire on the website under Daily Reporting Instructions under Jury Information

How long will I be required to serve if I am selected to appear for service?

If you are required to appear for service, you will be assigned to a panel for possible selection for a trial. If you have not been selected to serve on a jury trial by the end of your jury term, you will be excused from service. If you are selected for a jury, the judge will give you an estimate of the length of time you will be required to serve on the jury.

Is there any way I can be excused from jury service?

Missouri law makes it clear that citizens are expected to serve on juries except in limited circumstances or extreme physical or financial hardship that jury service will cause them. The juror questionnaire will ask you for information to determine whether you are disqualified, or should be exempted from jury service.

INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DISQUALIFIED BY STATUTE FROM SERVICE ON A JURY:

• Any person under the age of 21.
• Any person who is not a citizen of the United States.
• Any person not a resident of the county requesting registration.
• Any person who has been convicted of a felony.
• Any person unable to read, speak and understand the English language, unless such person's inability is due to a vision or hearing impairment which can be adequately compensated for through the use of auxiliary aids or services.
• Any person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or any member of the organized militia on active duty under order of the governor.
• Any judge of a court of record.
• Any person who, in the judgment of the court is incapable of performing the duties of a juror because of mental or physical illness or infirmity.

INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY BE EXCUSED FROM JURY SERVICE BY THE JUDGE:

• A person who has served on a jury within the preceding two years
• Any person whose absence from his or her regular place of employment would, in the judgment of the court, tend materially and adversely to affect the public safety, health, welfare or interest (this does not usually excuse law enforcement or fire suppression employees from service)
• Any person upon whom service as a juror would, in the judgment of the court, impose an undue or extreme physical or financial hardship
• Licensed health care workers, if such person can provide a written statement certifying that he or she is actually providing health care services to patients, and that the person's service as a juror would be detrimental to the health of the person's patients. Licensed health care workers are any physician, hospital, health maintenance organization, ambulatory surgical center, long-term care facility, dentist, registered or licensed practical nurse, optometrist, podiatrist, pharmacist, chiropractor, professional physical therapist, psychologist, physician-in-training, and any other person or entity that provides health care services under the authority of a license or certificate. But only if such person provides a written statement to the court certifying that she/he is providing health care services to patients, and that the person's service as a juror would be detrimental to the health of the person's patients.
• Any employee of a religious institution whose religious obligations or constraints prohibit them serving on a jury. The certification of the employment and obligation or constraint may be provided by the employee's religious supervisor.
• A person 75 years of age or older.

If you will be unavailable to serve on a specific day or week during the quarter or term, please enter the dates in the partial excuse section on your eJuror registration. Please do not exclude more than two weeks during the quarter or term.

Since the Board of Jury Commissioners limits the jury service to not more than two weeks in Callaway County and one week in Boone County, you will be excused only if service will be a real hardship to you, not simply because it is inconvenient. Prior to 1984, persons over age 65 could be automatically excused; however, the law has been changed so that a hardship is the only valid reason for excusal. If you request to be excused from jury service, please upload your letter stating your request and the reason. A doctor's note or other supporting information may be required. The request must be made in a timely manner. You will be notified by your preferred method selection in Juror Portal (text, email, mail) as to whether your request has been approved or denied.

What if I need special accommodations to serve on a jury?

If you will need special accommodations to allow you to serve on a jury, you should call at least two weeks before your assigned term, or as soon as possible.

• Boone County Jurors 573-886-4076
• Callaway County Jurors 573-826-3867

ADA Accommodations

The 13th Judicial Circuit will take appropriate steps to ensure everyone has access to its services, programs and activities.

ADA Auxiliary Aids and Services

The 13th Circuit will furnish reasonable auxiliary aids and services to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from services, programs, or activities conducted by the court. These “auxiliary aids and services” may include:

• large print materials,
• qualified interpreters for persons who are deaf,
• Ubi Duo communication device,
• written materials,
• assistive listening devices,
• other effective methods of making written or orally delivered materials available to individuals who are blind or deaf.

Individuals with a disability may request the reasonable auxiliary aid or service of his or her choice and we will give primary consideration to the choice expressed by the individual. A reasonable effort will be made to accommodate the request.

Requesting Auxiliary Aids or Services

Please give the court at least 5 days notice in advance of the request for auxiliary aids or services. For emergencies or urgent requests, the court should be notified immediately. The best effort to fulfill the request will be made.

All requests for auxiliary aids or services in Boone or Callaway county courthouses should be directed to the ADA Coordinator:

• Lana Brooks
• Deputy Court Administrator
• Boone County Courthouse
• 705 E. Walnut St.
• Columbia, MO 65201
• Phone: (573) 886-4059
• Fax: (573) 886-4070

Wheelchair Accessible

The Boone and Callaway county courthouses both have ramps leading to the front doors and elevators are available inside.

Grievances

If you feel that you have been discriminated against because of your disability, you may file a complaint with the ADA Coordinator (listed above).

What if I cannot be available for the term which has been assigned to me?

If you cannot be available for a portion or all of the term which has been assigned to you, you can request a postponement and you will be assigned to another term. You are entitled to only ONE postponement, which will be to the next term, and you may exercise that option via eJuror when you register.

Where do I appear for jury service?

Boone County Jurors appear for service in the Boone County Courthouse at 705 E. Walnut, Columbia, MO. Jurors should report to the jury assembly room on the third floor of the courthouse by 8:00 a.m. on the dates you are scheduled to appear unless otherwise instructed.

Callaway County Jurors appear for service in the Callaway County Justice Center at 5 E. 2nd Street in Fulton, MO. Jurors should report to the jury assembly room on the first floor of the Justice Center by 8:15 a.m. on the dates you are scheduled to appear unless otherwise instructed.

Where should I park when I appear for jury service?

Boone County Jurors should park in the parking garage on Walnut Street, south, across the street from the courthouse. If the parking garage is full or closed, please park in the parking garage located at 5th and Walnut, south, across the street from the post office. In either garage, please park in the "hourly" parking spaces only. DO NOT PARK IN RESERVED OR PERMIT ONLY SPACES. You must bring your parking permit to the Courthouse to be validated.

Callaway County Jurors should park in the Justice Center parking lot. If the Callaway County Justice Center parking lot is full, you may park for free in on-street regular parking spaces, or in the parking lot for Memorial Park/Splash Pad directly across the street from the Justice Center. Do not park in any other private lot, any specially assigned court space, or any restricted location. All Jurors must enter through the main entrance on the south side of the Justice Center.

Is there parking available for those with disability parking hang tags?

Yes

For Boone County Jurors there is a space on Walnut Street in front of the courthouse and other designated spaces located around the courthouse as well as spaces available in the parking garage south across the street from the courthouse. For those without a tag who need to park in close proximity to the courthouse, you may park in any available space around the courthouse.

For Callaway County Jurors there is a designated space in front of the Justice Center.

What if my employer requires verification of jury service?

If your employer requires verification of jury service, be sure to ask the court marshal for this verification when you appear for service.

How much will I get paid for serving on a jury?

Jury fees are set by state law. Jurors are paid $6 for each day they appear for jury service, or $21 for each day they serve on a jury. You will also be reimbursed for round-trip mileage based on your zip code at the rate authorized by your county. Compensation for mileage and fees will be submitted at the end of your service to the county treasurer to issue payment.

What if my employer does not want me to serve on a jury?

Employers must allow you to appear for jury service, although they are not required to pay you for jury service. It is a violation of the law for an employer to fire or otherwise take action against an employee for appearing for jury service. If your employer employs five or fewer employees, you should contact the court regarding special provisions for small employers.

What should I do if an emergency or illness prevents me from appearing in court?

Boone County Jurors: If an illness or emergency prevents your attendance on the date you have been required to report, call 573-886-4499 While serving as a juror you may receive emergency telephone calls at 573-886-4499

Callaway County Jurors: If an illness or emergency prevents your attendance on the date you have been required to report, call 573 642-0780 after 8:00 a.m. on the date you are scheduled to appear. While serving as a juror, you may receive emergency telephone calls at 573 642-0780 .

What happens if I do not appear for jury service?

If you fail to appear for jury service, you could be found guilty of civil contempt, punishable by a fine of not more than $500. In addition, the court may order the prospective juror to complete a period of community service for the period of time the juror would have been required for jury service.

Do you have to be a registered voter to be a juror?

No.

Can someone volunteer in my place?

No. No one can volunteer for jury service. State statutes require a random draw.

Is child care available?

No. You cannot bring your dependent child(ren) or adult with you for jury service. If you have a dependent child (or adult) under your care, you may ask for a postponement or excuse from jury service. Please keep in mind that many others care for dependent children or adults and only those situations that would impose an "extreme hardship" in the judgment of the court may be excused. Please include reasons for having no alternate child or adult care available.

What should I bring with me?

Boone County Jurors: Bring your jury summons and your parking receipt even though parking garage instructions are to leave it on your dash. You may also bring reading materials other than newspapers and other news related materials. While efforts will be made by the Court to reduce delays, there may be necessary waiting times.

Callaway County Jurors: Bring your jury summons with you into the courthouse. You may also bring reading materials other than newspapers and other news related materials. While efforts will be made by the Court to reduce delays, there may be necessary waiting times.

Can I bring food with me?

Coffee, water and snacks are available in the jury assembly area. You may bring your own foods particularly if you have special dietary needs. Food and beverages, other than water, are not allowed in the courtroom You will normally be released for lunch. There are several local restaurants within walking distance.

Can I bring my laptop,cell phone, smartwatch or other electronic device?

Please do not bring cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, or any other electronic devices into the Courthouse. All electronic devices will be confiscated by the Marshal for safekeeping during your stay in the courthouse and will be returned to you upon completion of jury duty. You will not have access to your cell phone except as authorized by a judge.

How should I dress?

You are asked to dress appropriately and comfortably for the occasion. Temperatures may vary so it is suggested that you bring a light sweater or jacket. It is difficult to keep the building comfortable for all persons. Some persons have commented that the building is "too hot"; others that it is "too cold". You may want to bring a jacket or sweater. Please note that the courtrooms may be chilly.

What is an exit questionnaire?

When you report for jury service, you will also receive an exit questionnaire. Your assistance in evaluating your jury service will be very helpful. Due to input from persons who have served on juries in the past, the Board of Jury Commissioners has reduced the length of service and has made many other improvements in the jury process. Therefore, we encourage you to complete and return the exit questionnaire.

How do I find out the results of the case on which I appeared?

The results of any trial, unless it is considered confidential, can be found on the state judiciary website: www.courts.mo.gov. Click on case.net and make inquiry by the name of any of the parties involved.