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1. How is a questionnaire received, and how do I complete it?

You will receive a bright pink postcard in the mail entitled Official Juror Notification (see sample below). Once you receive this postcard, you should follow the directions outlining how to complete the questionnaire. There are three ways to complete this questionnaire:

1. LOG ON TO: http://www.sjcjury.com and follow the instructions to enter your Juror ID Number.

2. TEXT: juryduty@sjcindiana.com from your mobile device and text your juror ID Number. (Text response time varies by cell phone carrier.)

3. CALL: The automated phone system at (574) 413-6349 and enter your Juror ID Number using a touch tone phone.   

PLEASE NOTE: Your Juror ID Number and your Electronic Signature Number will be listed on the bright pink postcard you receive in the mail. These are needed to log on, text, or call the jury system. 

SAMPLE POSTCARD: 

2. How will I receive notice that I have to report for jury duty?

You will receive a paper summons in the mail that will include all of your reporting instructions. You can also opt in to receive text and/or email notifications that pertain to your potential jury service. PLEASE NOTE- electronic devices are not permitted in any of the St. Joseph County courthouses.   

3. Am I paid for being a juror?

Individuals who report for jury duty are paid $15 a day plus mileage based on the farthest point in your zip code. For actually serving on a jury, jurors are paid $40 a day plus mileage.
Checks are mailed by the County Auditor's Office and can take 6-8 weeks to arrive. If you fail to receive a check, please contact the bailiff for the judge in whose court you served.

4. Are electronic devices permitted in the courthouses?

No. Cell phones, cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), electronic books, beepers, and any devices that are capable of audio and/or visual recording are not permitted in the courthouses within St. Joseph County. For a complete list of prohibited items please see the Local Rules for St. Joseph County, Indiana. 

5. Do you pay for parking?

At this time, parking costs are the juror’s responsibility. If you are required to report for jury duty, you will be paid a minimum of $15 plus mileage. This will cover any parking fees you incur. Use this website to plan your parking arrangements before you report for jury duty. DO NOT park in a two-hour parking zone downtown. You will be ticketed or towed. Most surface parking lots in downtown South Bend are private property and not available for public parking.

6. Who qualifies to serve as a juror?

The court shall determine if the prospective jurors are qualified to serve, or, if disabled but otherwise qualified, could serve with reasonable accommodation. In order to serve as a juror, a person shall state under oath or affirmation that he or she is:

(a)    a citizen of the United States;

(b)    at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(c)    a resident of the summoning county;

(d)    able to read, speak, and understand, the English language;

(e)    not suffering from a physical or mental disability that prevents him or her from rendering satisfactory jury service;

(f)     not under a guardianship appointment because of mental incapacity;

(g)    not a person who has had rights to vote revoked by reason of a felony conviction and whose rights to vote have not been restored; and

(h)    not a law enforcement officer, if the trial is for a criminal case.

7. What if I have a hardship on the date I am summoned?

Requesting a deferral may help you if you have a conflict or a hardship on the date you have been asked to appear. You may request a one-time postponement of jury service or a longer deferral, if appropriate. For more information, please visit the iJuror website. For more information using the telephone, contact the Jury Administration Office at 574-235-9506.

8. Who is exempt from jury service?

A person may claim exemption from jury service only if the person (1) has completed a term of jury service in the twenty-four (24) months preceding the date of the person's summons, or (2) is exempt from jury service pursuant to an exemption expressly provided by statute (such as age or county of residence).

9. Who can authorize a deferral of jury service?

The judge or judge's representative may authorize deferral of jury service for up to one (1) year upon a showing of hardship, extreme inconvenience, or necessity.

10. Why are some people summoned several times and others are never chosen?

Because of the random selection process, some names are selected every year or so, and some never are. For more information, contact the Jury Administration Office at 574-235-9506.