Harlene Labrum | December 16, 2024 | Personal Injury
What to Expect When You’re Summoned to Jury Duty in Tennessee
When you are summoned for jury duty in Tennessee, you take on an important duty to help others in the pursuit of justice. Serving on a jury is an important civic duty that any of us can be called upon to do. However, jury duty can also be a confusing process for those who have not been through it before. What can you expect when you are summoned for jury duty in Tennessee? Here, we’ll go through some of the important things to know.
Why Do We Have Jury Duty?
The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives criminal defendants the right to a trial by jury and is a foundation of our justice system. Litigants in civil lawsuits can also request a trial by jury instead of a bench trial heard only by the judge. The key principle behind jury trials is that it gives people the chance to have their case heard by a group of peers from their community. Jury trials also help to make sure the legal process is fair for the defendant.
Who Can Get Called for Jury in Tennessee?
If you are over 18 years old, a United States citizen, and a resident of both Tennessee and the county in which you are summoned, you can be called for jury duty. For residency purposes, you must have lived in Tennessee and in your county for 12 months or more. Some factors that can disqualify a juror automatically include:
- Felony convictions
- Convictions for perjury
- Having an interest in a case’s outcome
- Being related within 6 degrees to either party in a case.
Most adults are eligible for jury duty in Tennessee and can be summoned at any time.
Can I Get Out Of Jury Duty In Tennessee?
You can not get out of jury duty simply because you don’t want to go or find it inconvenient. However, you could be excused if you have a valid reason. For example, if you have a serious physical or mental condition that prevents you from serving as a juror, you can ask to be excused. Another legitimate reason to be excused is if you are a caregiver for another person who needs your help. If your jury service would impact their care, you could be released from jury duty.
These and other hardships could excuse you from jury duty. However, you must make sure to contact your county clerk as soon as possible. In Tennessee, requests to be excused from jury duty must be made before the date you are summoned. Under no circumstances should you fail to appear for jury duty without the court’s permission.
What Happens When I Show Up for Jury Duty?
When you get to the courthouse, you will follow instructions and wait to begin with. For a trial, the court will summon more jurors than they actually need to conduct the trial. When jury selection starts, attorneys and the judge will go through a process called voir dire. This is when the jury panel is questioned, and you could be asked personal questions. For example, if the case involves a motorcycle accident, jurors might be asked if they have experience riding motorcycles. The purpose of voir dire is to make sure a fair and impartial panel of jurors will hear the case.
You might make it to jury selection but still be sent home because your name was not called or an attorney or judge excused you. Contact the court clerk for more information if you have specific questions or require any special accommodations.
Do I Get Paid for Jury Duty in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, jurors are paid $11 per day in the state court system. For federal courts, the pay can be higher. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, which covers Nashville, pays $40 per day plus $0.65 per mile driven. Your parking costs could also be covered if you report for a federal trial. Your employer might also be required by law to pay you for time missed due to jury duty. This depends on the type of employment and number of employees your company has.
Understand Your Rights as a Juror in Tennessee
If you received a summons for jury duty in Tennessee, you’ll want to know what to expect as a juror. If you need accommodations made, wish to reschedule, need to be excused, or have other questions about jury duty, an experienced Nashville, TN, lawyer can help. Contact Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers to learn more and schedule a free consultation with a Nashville personal injury lawyer.
Contact the Nashville Personal Injury Attorneys at Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, please contact the Nashville personal injury law firm of Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Nashville and Brentwood, Tennessee.
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Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Nashville
315 Deaderick St, Suite 1525
Nashville, TN 37238
(615) 685-8546
