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1. Why is jury duty important?

The United States Constitution and the Washington State Constitution guarantees all people the right to trial by an impartial jury. Justice ultimately depends in large measure on the jurors who serve in our courts.

2. What is my duty as a juror?

As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. You must apply the law given by the judge to the facts given during the trial to make a decision in a case.

3. How was I selected for jury duty?

You were selected at random from lists of voter registrations, driver licenses, and Washington State identification cards for residents of San Juan County.

4. Who is eligible for jury duty?

Jurors must:
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be able to communicate in the English language.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be of sound mind.
- Reside in San Juan County.

You cannot serve on a jury if you have been convicted of a felony and your civil rights have not been restored.

If you are in doubt about your eligibility for jury service, you may contact the Jury Manager.

5. How long does jury duty last?

Jury duty in San Juan County Superior Court is 1 to 4 days. However, if you are seated on a jury, your service may be continued to the following week to complete a trial. Jurors are required to serve for the duration of a trial. Jury duty in San Juan County District Court is 2 days. However, if you are seated on a jury, your service may be continued to the following week to complete a trial. Jurors are required to serve for the duration of a trial.

6. Who can be excused from jury service?

Very few people are excused from jury duty. Jurors will be excused only upon a demonstration of undue hardship or extreme inconvenience or for other reasons provided by law.

7. Can jury duty be rescheduled?

Yes. If you wish to defer your jury duty to a more convenient date, you must state the reason that you cannot serve during the scheduled time.

You may also file a request by writing to:
Jury Manager
San Juan County
P.O. Box 127
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

8. What type of cases are heard by jurors?

Jurors may be selected for District or Superior Court cases ranging from misdemeanors, such as, driving under the influence of alcohol to felonies such as First Degree Murder. Civil matters are heard in both Courts.

9. Are jurors paid for jury service?

Jurors are paid $10 per day. Checks are usually mailed within 30 days after the completion of jury service.
Your employer is not required to pay you while you are on jury duty. However, an employer shall provide an employee with a sufficient leave of absence from employment to serve as a juror when that employee is summoned pursuant to RCW 2.36.

10. Dress and Conduct Code

Your employer is not required to pay you while you are on jury duty. However, an employer shall provide an employee with a sufficient leave of absence from employment to serve as a juror when that employee is summoned pursuant to RCW 2.36

• No food or drinks, except water, shall be allowed in the courtroom.

• All persons in the courtroom, except those required to be there because of arrest or court order, shall be attired in a manner appropriate to the dignity and decorum of the courtroom setting. As minimum standards, the following rules shall apply:

• Men shall wear shirts, trousers and shoes. Women shall wear shoes, and either dresses, skirts and tops, or pants and tops.

• Shorts, halter tops, tank tops, hats, caps, torn clothing, shirts or other clothing with obscene or profane pictures or messages, and thongs, shall not be worn.

• Male attorneys shall wear coats and ties. Women attorneys shall wear professionally appropriate attire.

• All persons in the courtroom shall, in their speech and action, conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the dignity and decorum of the courtroom setting. As minimum standards, the following rules shall apply:

• Spectators and persons not then actively engaged in court proceedings shall be quiet; any speech which does occur shall be as unobtrusive as possible.
• All persons shall refrain from any gestures and from conduct litigants, witnesses , court staff, law enforcement personnel, or other persons.

• All cell phones and other electronic devices shall be set to silent mode.