Juror Frequently Asked Questions

  • 11. Will I be asked to provide sensitive information over the telephone?

    A jury clerk will not ask you to provide sensitive information like social security numbers or credit card numbers over the telephone. Most federal court contact with prospective jurors will be through U.S. mail.

  • 12. What factors or life circumstances may exempt or excuse me from jury service?

    The following prospective jurors are exempt from jury service. 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 served as a grand or petit juror in any court within two years of being summoned to serve in federal court;
    • Volunteer safety personnel, such as volunteer firefighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew;
    • Persons caring for children under ten years of age if the children's health or safety could be harmed by care giver's absence for jury service;
    • Persons who are caring for elderly or ill individuals; or
    • Persons for whom jury service is a temporary hardship or extreme inconvenience.
  • 13. May I be excused if I am a full-time or part-time student?

    You may be excused if jury duty will cause you undue hardship or extreme inconvenience. 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 e-mail, fax, or U.S. Mail. The court will consider each request on a case-by-case basis.

  • 14. 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 e-mail, fax, or U.S. Mail. The court will consider each request on a case-by-case basis.

  • 15. 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. 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 e-mail, fax, or U.S. Mail. The court will consider each request on a case-by-case basis.

  • 16. Am I required to complete and return the juror qualification questionnaire?

    Yes, the law requires you to return the questionnaire either electronically [eJuror] or by U.S. Mail. You can be punished if you do not return it. Please call the jury clerk if you lose your summons or questionnaire so the court can mail a new one to you.

  • 17. What if my address changed?

    Indicate your new permanent address on the juror qualification questionnaire. If your new place of residence is still in Nebraska, the court will notify you in writing if your service changes to another division of the U.S. District Court for Nebraska. If your new residence is outside the state of Nebraska, you no longer qualify to be a juror in federal court in Nebraska.

  • 18. Why do you need my telephone number?

    The court may contact you with advance notice of upcoming trials or last minute changes.

  • 19. 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?

    Return the juror qualification questionnaire on that person's behalf. In the designated area for remarks, write 1) the nature of the person's disability or the date of his or her death, and 2) your name and relationship to the individual.

  • 20. What should I do if I lose my juror qualification questionnaire?

    Please call or e-mail the jury clerk as soon as possible. A paper questionnaire will be mailed to you if you are unable to complete it online using eJuror.

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