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Frequently Asked Questions

General Information About Federal Jury Service

  • 1. What is the difference between a petit jury and a grand jury?

    A petit jury, also known as a trial jury, hears evidence during a civil or criminal trial and returns a verdict. It is generally composed of 6 to 12 citizens.

    A grand jury decides whether probable cause exists that a crime was committed, not whether a particular party is guilty or innocent. It is generally composed of 23 citizens.

  • 2. Why is jury service required?

    The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a jury trial in certain cases. The jury must represent a cross-section of the community in order to prevent discrimination. For this reason, citizens will only be excused from serving on a jury for a few reasons.

  • 3. Am I required to submit the juror qualification questionnaire?

    Yes, federal law requires you to submit a juror qualification questionnaire either electronically through eJuror or in paper by U.S. Mail. You can face legal sanctions if you do not submit it. You may be summoned to the clerk’s office to complete the form.

    You must complete the juror qualification questionnaire regardless of your personal circumstances. A sample of the paper juror qualification questionnaire is located on the court’s Juror web page under “Juror Documents.” The same questions appear in the online and paper questionnaires.

  • 4. What if I don’t show up for jury duty?

    Any person summoned for jury service who fails to complete the questionnaire or appear as directed may be ordered by the district court to appear before a judge and show cause for his or her failure to comply with the summons. Any person who fails to show good cause for noncompliance may be subject to:

    • a fine of not more than $1,000;
    • imprisonment for not more than three days;
    • an order to perform community service;
    • any combination of the above.
  • 5. What is the length of service for a juror?

    Petit jurors are on call for approximately one month, but they will most likely not be needed every day during that month.

    "On call" means that prospective jurors will not be asked to report to the courthouse unless their names are randomly selected to report for jury selection. But jurors are expected to be available throughout the term of their service and to report when the court instructs them.

    Grand jurors serve for 18 months, convening once a month for 1 to 5 days.

  • 6. How are citizens selected for service?

    A computer randomly selects potential jurors based on lists of Nebraska driver's license holders, state identification card holders, and voter registration names. Due to the random computerized selection process, some citizens' names may be selected several times, while other citizens' names may never be selected.

  • 7. How do you determine where jurors will serve?

    Grand jurors from throughout Nebraska report to the federal courthouse in Omaha.

    Petit jurors report to the federal courthouse in Omaha, Lincoln, or North Platte, depending on their county of permanent residence.

    Omaha
    Jurors who reside in the following counties serve in Omaha:
    AntelopeCumingHoltSarpy
    BooneDakotaKnoxStanton
    BoydDixonMadisonThurston
    BurtDodgeNanceWashington
    CedarDouglasPierceWayne
    ColfaxGreeleyPlatteWheeler
    Lincoln
    Jurors who reside in the following counties serve in Lincoln:
    AdamsHamiltonMerrickRichardson
    ButlerHarlanNemahaSaline
    CassHowardNuckollsSaunders
    ClayJeffersonOtoeSeward
    FillmoreJohnsonPawneeThayer
    FranklinKearneyPhelpsWebster
    GageLancasterPolkYork
    Hall
    North Platte
    Jurors who reside in the following counties serve in North Platte:
    ArthurDawesHayesMorrill
    BannerDawsonHitchcockPerkins
    BlaineDeuelHookerRed Willow
    Box ButteDundyKeithRock
    BrownFrontierKeya PahaScotts Bluff
    BuffaloFurnasKimballSheridan
    ChaseGardenLincolnSherman
    CherryGarfieldLoganSioux
    CheyenneGosperLoupThomas
    CusterGrantMcPhersonValley

Information About Juror Qualification

  • 8. Am I qualified to serve as a juror?

    Every person is qualified unless he or she:

    • Is not a citizen of the U.S.;
    • Is under 18 years old;
    • Has not lived in Nebraska for one year;
    • Cannot read, write, and understand the English language well enough to fill out the juror qualification questionnaire;
    • Cannot speak English;
    • Is mentally or physically unable to serve on a jury; or
    • Has pending felony charges or has been convicted of a felony and his or her right to serve on a jury has not been restored.
  • 9. What factors or life circumstances may exempt or excuse me from jury service?

    The following prospective jurors are exempt from jury service if employed on a paid full-time basis in one of the following categories. This means they will not need to serve on a jury.

    • Members in active service in the Armed Forces of the United States;
    • Members of the fire or police departments of any state, district, territory, possession, or subdivision; and
    • Public officers in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of any federal, state, or local government who are actively engaged in the performance of official duties. A public officer is either elected to public office or directly appointed by a person elected to public office.

    The following prospective jurors may request to be excused from jury service. The court may or may not grant the excuse, or may require the juror to report during a different month.

    • Persons over 70 years of age;
    • Persons who have, within the past two years, served on a grand or petit jury in any court;
    • Volunteer safety personnel who serve without compensation as firefighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew for a public agency;
    • Persons having active care and custody of a child or children under ten years of age whose health and/or safety would be jeopardized by their absence for jury service;
    • Persons who are essential to the care of aged or infirm persons;
    • Persons whose services are essential to the operation of a business, commercial, or agricultural enterprise such that the enterprise could not function if the person were required to perform jury duty; or
    • Persons for whom jury service is a temporary hardship or extreme inconvenience.
  • 10. May I be excused for a portion of the jury term because I have prior plans?

    The court will try to honor a juror's request for a partial excuse for a doctor's appointment, scheduled vacation plans, or business obligations. These absences do not constitute a valid reason for being excused from the entire term. Explain the reason for your request on your juror qualification questionnaire, giving the date(s) you need to be gone. If you have already submitted your questionnaire, your request must be made in writing and submitted either by accessing eJuror online or by email, fax, or U.S. Mail. The court will consider each request on a case-by-case basis. Requests must be submitted in writing by the individual summoned (not your employer). Do not assume your request has been approved until you receive confirmation from the court. If your request is submitted by email, the court will respond to your email during business hours.

  • 11. Can my jury service be postponed to another month?

    If serving during the month you are called would cause you undue hardship or extreme inconvenience, you can request to serve during a different month. Explain the reasons for your request on the juror qualification questionnaire. If you have already submitted your questionnaire, your request must be made in writing and submitted either by accessing eJuror online or by email, fax, or U.S. Mail. The court will consider each request on a case-by-case basis. Requests must be submitted in writing by the individual summoned (not your employer). Do not assume your request has been approved until you receive confirmation from the court. If your request is submitted by email, the court will respond to your email during business hours.

  • 12. What if my name and/or address changed?

    If your name and/or address has changed and it is different from what appears on the summons, please update it online through eJuror or edit it on the paper questionnaire.

    You must complete the juror qualification questionnaire even if you moved to another county or if you no longer reside in Nebraska. If your primary residence is still in Nebraska, the court will notify you by mail if your service changes to another division of the U.S. District Court for Nebraska. If your primary residence is outside Nebraska, you no longer qualify to be a juror in federal court in Nebraska and the court will excuse you.

  • 13. Why do you need my telephone number and email address?

    The court will contact you with advance notice of upcoming trials and last-minute changes. Automated calls, texts, and emails are frequently used to communicate jury information during your jury service.

  • 14. What if I have a disability or need special accommodations?

    The court will make every effort to accommodate jurors with disabilities or special needs. Please include your needs on the juror qualification questionnaire or notify the court in writing by email, fax, or U.S. Mail. Be sure to include your telephone number because the jury clerk may need to discuss accommodations with you.

    You may request to be excused if you are disabled and jury service would be an undue hardship or extreme inconvenience. Explain why your disability makes you incapable of providing satisfactory jury service. Stating what your disability is or providing a list of disabilities is not sufficient. This is too vague and is not sufficient for the court to determine if you are incapable of providing satisfactory jury service. For example, if you are employed, please explain why it would be more detrimental for you to serve on jury duty than your normal employment.

  • 15. What if I am a caretaker for a disabled person who receives a questionnaire, or I receive a questionnaire for a relative who is now deceased?

    Submit the juror qualification questionnaire on that person's behalf. In the designated area, indicate 1) the nature of the person's disability or the date of his or her death (no death certificate required), and 2) your name and relationship to the individual.

  • 16. May I be excused if I am a full-time or part-time student?

    Full-time and part-time students are not automatically excused from jury service. You may request a postponement that will be convenient to your breaks in school. Do not update your address to your college address unless you have permanently moved to that address.

    If you would like the court to consider a request to be excused, explain in detail why you are requesting to be excused on your juror qualification questionnaire. If you have already submitted your questionnaire, your request must be made in writing and submitted either by accessing eJuror online or by email, fax, or U.S. Mail. The court will consider each request on a case-by-case basis.

  • 17. What if I have a prior conviction for a felony and I do not know if my right to serve on a jury has been restored?

    The court requires persons convicted of felonies to provide clear documentation showing their right to serve on a jury has been restored under applicable law before jury service is allowed. If you do not know if your right to serve on a jury has been restored or you cannot provide proof to the court’s satisfaction, the court will find you ineligible for jury service. Provide the requested information to the best of your ability.

    Restoration of civil rights, including the right to serve as a juror, is governed by the law of the convicting jurisdiction. Jurisdictions vary on whether conviction results in the loss of any civil rights and, if applicable, how those civil rights are restored. In some jurisdictions, restoration of rights may occur automatically upon completion of sentence, while in other jurisdictions, an affirmative act, such as a pardon, must occur. The district probation office or the office of the attorney general of the state where you were convicted may assist you.

    For felony convictions in Nebraska, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-112 states, “Any person sentenced to be punished for any felony, when the sentence is not reversed or annulled, is incompetent to be a juror or to hold any office of honor, trust, or profit within this state, unless such person receives from the Board of Pardons of this state a warrant of discharge, in which case such person shall be restored to such civil rights and privileges as enumerated or limited by the Board of Pardons. The warrant of discharge shall not release such person from the costs of conviction unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Pardons.”

    Regarding federal felony convictions, rights may be restored through a presidential pardon or if the federal court of conviction restores the individual’s rights. For example, a federal statute may allow a conviction to be set aside.

  • 18. What if I am a public official?

    You must be employed on a paid full-time basis. This involves persons with lawmaking or policymaking functions. It does not include support personnel. Individuals who are determined to be in this category may not serve even if they indicate a desire to do so.

  • 19. What if I am a member of a non-federal government police or fire department?

    You must be employed on a paid full-time basis. This exemption applies to persons working, not volunteering, in this capacity at the state and local, not federal, level. Police are those charged with day-to-day maintenance of order throughout the community who have arresting authority. Individuals who are determined to be in this category may not serve even if they indicate a desire to do so.

  • 20. What if I am a member in active service of the U.S. armed forces?

    You must be employed on a paid full-time basis. This applies only to active-duty military personnel. National Guard members are only exempt if federally active during the dates of service. Individuals who are determined to be in this category may not serve even if they indicate a desire to do so.

  • 21. What if I am 70 years old or over?

    Individuals summoned by the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska who are 70 years old or over may request to be excused in the Requesting an Excuse section on the juror qualification questionnaire.

  • 22. What if I served on jury duty before?

    Individuals who have reported to a court and served as a grand or petit juror in any court within two years of being summoned to service may request to be excused. This applies to individuals who were selected as jurors, not those who reported and were not selected as a juror or were part of a group or pool for possible jury service.

  • 23. What if I don’t have transportation to the courthouse?

    You will be paid roundtrip mileage at the current rate from your home address to the court’s address. You are responsible for providing your own transportation to the courthouse. If you have a valid driver’s license, the court does not excuse jurors who are unfamiliar with the court location or don’t drive in the city. If you cannot drive yourself, you should arrange to have someone drive you or take public transportation, if available in your area. If you have someone drive you, he/she is welcome to wait in the jury assembly room while you are in the courtroom.

    If transportation is a financial hardship, please explain why reimbursement of your mileage would not relieve that hardship. Also explain if your transportation hardship is temporary or permanent.

    If you need to use public transportation to travel to and from the court, i.e., bus, you may be paid the actual reasonable expense of such public transportation when the full cost is not met by the roundtrip mileage reimbursement. Public transportation does not include a taxi or ridesharing service (Uber, Lyft). In an emergency, the Clerk of Court may authorize the use of a taxi or ridesharing service. If public transportation, a taxi, or a ridesharing service must be used, the Clerk of Court must approve these expenses. If you are scheduled to report for jury duty, please contact the jury clerk beforehand to notify the court that public transportation expenses are necessary.

  • 24. What if I have a financial, business, or employment hardship?

    Most requests of this nature must be addressed in the courtroom before the judge. You may request a postponement to a time in the next few months to assist you in planning for your jury service. For example, there may be a time of year when jury service would be more manageable.

    Most employers have a jury duty policy, and we encourage you to check with your employer regarding its policy. In most instances, the burden of jury service is not so overwhelming that it could not be absorbed, similar to vacation or sick leave.

  • 25. What is a supplemental questionnaire?

    A supplemental questionnaire is an additional questionnaire that asks jurors to answer in advance questions often asked during jury selection. This questionnaire shortens the time needed for jury selection, so it saves jurors' time and taxpayers' money.

  • 26. Am I required to complete the supplemental questionnaire?

    No, the information is requested but not required.

  • 27. Who will see the information provided in the supplemental questionnaire?

    The information will be shared with the lawyers in those cases where you might be a juror, but it is confidential and does not become part of the public case files. The lawyers are required to destroy copies of the supplemental questionnaires after the jury is selected.

Information about eJuror

  • 28. How do I submit the juror qualification questionnaire and supplemental questionnaire online through eJuror? If you submit the forms through eJuror, please do not send the paper forms to the court.

    Step 1. At https://www.ned.uscourts.gov/juror, select the secure eJuror option toward the top left side of the page. You may also use your smartphone or other mobile device to scan the code on the postcard or paper questionnaire to access the eJuror login page.

    Step 2. On the eJuror login page, enter your 9-digit participant number, the first three (3) letters of your last name (as shown on the summons), your date of birth (4-digit year), and select the Login button.

    Your 9-digit participant number is printed above your name and address on the summons.

    If you have problems logging in to eJuror, please try the following solutions:

    1. 1. Be sure that you are on the correct website, https://www.ned.uscourts.gov/juror.
    2. 2. Try using a different web browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox.
    3. 3. If you have attempted to log in too many times, please wait 30 minutes for the system to reset and then try again.

    Step 3. Once you log into eJuror, do not use the Back or Forward arrows on your browser. The use of either of these buttons, or 20 minutes of inactivity, will eject you from eJuror, and you will be unable to return to the login page for 30 minutes. Please use only the “<Back” or “Next>” buttons on the bottom of the page.

    Please read every page thoroughly before you start filling in the answer fields, making sure to enter answers into every field marked with a red asterisk (*).

    Step 4. When the juror qualification questionnaire is complete, you will have a final opportunity to Review Your Answers and make any necessary edits. When finished, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select the Confirm button to submit your questionnaire.

    After the required juror qualification questionnaire, there is an optional supplemental questionnaire. The court appreciates your cooperation in completing the supplemental questionnaire. The information you provide will be shared with lawyers for purposes of jury selection, but it is confidential and does not become part of the public case file.

    When the supplemental questionnaire is complete, you will have a final opportunity to Review Your Answers to the supplemental questionnaire and make any necessary edits. When finished, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select the Confirm button for the final submission.

    After the Confirm button is selected at the end of the supplemental questionnaire, the final page will state, “Thank you very much for completing your questionnaire. Your questionnaire has been successfully processed.” If you do not receive this message, the court did not receive your questionnaire.

    If you provided an email address in the Email and Confirm Email fields when completing the questionnaire, you will also receive an email confirmation that the questionnaire has been submitted to the court. If the confirmation email doesn’t appear in your inbox, please check your junk email.

Information About Reporting for Federal Jury Service

  • 29. What will the court pay for?

    Attendance fee: You will be paid a $50 attendance fee for each day that you report for jury duty. (Employees of the federal government are not entitled to the attendance fee.)

    Lodging: The court will pay for your subsistence and lodging at the current rate if you cannot return home each night. You can find the current mileage, subsistence, and appearance fees on the court's Juror web page.

    You may stay overnight the night before any day that you are required to report to the courthouse if you live approximately 60 miles or more (one-way) from the courthouse. This includes the night before your first reporting date. You must have your own money or a credit card because the court will not be able to reimburse you on the first day you report. The court will mail you a list of hotels before the date you are to report. You may stay wherever you wish near the courthouse. When making your reservation, ask if they have a government rate that would apply to federal jurors. If verification is requested when you check in, present your summons.

    Unless the judge tells you otherwise, you may go home each night. Occasionally, trials continue into the evening hours. If this happens, the judge will give you time to make arrangements and to call your family. It is very unlikely that you would ever be required to stay overnight unless the judge orders the jury in a criminal case "sequestered." A sequestered jury is one kept from most outside contacts during the trial.

    Mileage: You will receive the current mileage rate for travel to and from your home and the courthouse. You can find the current mileage, subsistence, and appearance fees on the court's Juror web page.

    Parking: Please be prepared to pay to park. You will be reimbursed for reasonable parking fees. Off-street and on-street parking are available near the federal courthouse.

    The court does not provide meals, so you are free to go out to eat. Court staff can give you a list of restaurants near the courthouse. If you want to bring your own food, the court provides a refrigerator and microwave if you are serving in Omaha or Lincoln.

  • 30. How will I know when to report?

    The court will mail a letter before your service begins which will provide additional information about your upcoming jury duty. Begin to check your reporting instructions after 3:00 p.m. Central Time on the Friday before your reporting date. Continue to check your reporting instructions every Friday after 3:00 p.m. or as it instructs. To receive your reporting instructions, do one of the following:

    Enter your 9-digit participant number shown on your summons. The message will inform you whether or not you are scheduled to report for jury service. If you are not scheduled to report, the message will instruct you when to check your reporting instructions again.

    The court’s jury message system is used to send automated calls, texts, and emails in advance of your reporting date. You must provide the court with a contact phone number and/or email to receive the automated messages in advance. Letters are also mailed a week before your reporting date.

  • 31. Where do I report?
    Omaha: First Floor, Jury Assembly Room, Room 1126
    Roman L. Hruska U. S. Courthouse (west entrance)
    111 South 18th Plaza (18th & Douglas Streets)
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Lincoln: Fifth Floor, Jury Assembly Room, Room 598
    Robert V. Denney Federal Building
    100 Centennial Mall North (16th & ‘O’ Streets)
    Lincoln, Nebraska
    North Platte: Third Floor, District Court>
    301 North Jeffers Street
    North Platte, Nebraska
  • 32. Where do I park?
  • 33. What if I received instructions to appear and I have a conflict or an emergency?

    Late requests are seldom granted unless it is an emergency. eJuror restricts late requests; therefore, address all late requests by phone or email. Written documentation may be needed to grant an excuse. If the conflict is not an emergency, you may be required to appear as instructed, and you may let the judge know about your conflict during jury selection.

  • 34. What should or shouldn't I bring with me when I report for jury duty?

    Required:

    • Photo ID (required to enter the building);
    • Jury summons (you may be asked to identify yourself as a juror); and
    • Enough clothing and personal items to accommodate a stay of up to five days if you live 60 or more miles away (one-way) and are staying overnight.

    Allowed personal items:

    • Book, magazine, etc.;
    • Laptop computer (if you present your summons upon entering the building; free wireless Internet access is available in Omaha and Lincoln);
    • Food, snacks, or items for special dietary needs (refrigerators and microwaves are available in Omaha and Lincoln); and
    • Cellular phone (if you present your summons upon entering the building; must be turned off or silenced in courtroom).

    Not allowed:

    • Weapons;
    • Cameras and other image/video devices;
    • Mace or pepper spray.
  • 35. What should I wear?

    Either casual or professional dress is acceptable. Bring a sweater or light jacket because the courtroom temperatures may vary.

  • 36. If I am selected to report, does that mean I will serve as a juror on a case?

    Not necessarily. A jury will be selected from the large group of people who are summoned to report.

    The judge and the lawyers will ask the jurors who reported for service a series of questions. The questions can cover topics such as the jurors' background, employment, friends, beliefs, and so on. This questioning, which takes place in the courtroom, is called "voir dire." Based on the answers that the jurors give, the lawyers pick the individuals who will actually be on the jury for that trial.

  • 37. Will I be asked to report for jury selection more than once during my term of service?

    If you report and are not selected as a juror, you could be called to report again. Continue to check eJuror or call the automated jury message system until the court tells you that your service is over.

  • 38. How long will I be there the first day?

    A jury will be picked on the first day you report for jury duty. If you report in the morning and are not chosen as a juror, you could be dismissed by noon or early afternoon. If you are chosen to serve as a juror, you will be finished by approximately 5:00 p.m.

  • 39. How long does a trial last?

    The length of a trial depends on how complicated the issues are. Most trials last three to five days.

  • 40. What are the standard court hours during a trial?

    Most trials begin at 9:00 a.m. and end by 5:00 p.m. Jurors are given at least one hour for lunch and will receive one break in the morning and one break in the afternoon.

  • 41. What if bad weather is predicted?

    For weather-related announcements, you can call the court starting at 6:00 a.m., Central Time. If you are serving in Omaha or North Platte, call 1-866-220-4381, option 7. If you are serving in Lincoln, call 1-866-220-4379, option 7.

    Jurors who live some distance from the courthouse should bring enough clothing and personal items to accommodate a stay of up to five days if bad weather is predicted.

  • 42. How do I prove to my employer that I was on jury duty?

    As part of the check-in process on the day you report, the jury clerks will provide you with a certificate of attendance to give to your employer.

    If you are selected as a juror for a trial, you will receive an attendance certificate at the end of trial for the remaining dates.

  • 43. Can my employer fire me for serving as a juror?

    Federal statute 28 U.S.C. § 1875 states that, "[n]o employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee's jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States." An employer who violates the law may be subject to criminal and civil penalties. But this job protection does not include the loss of vacation time or other employment-related benefits. In addition, there is no federal statute requiring your employer to continue to pay you while you serve as a juror.