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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 registrations, and Washington State identification cards for residents of Jefferson County.

4. Who is eligible for jury duty?

Jurors must be:
- Able to communicate in the English language
- At least 18 years of age
- Citizen of the United States
- Of sound mind
- Reside in Jefferson 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:
Jefferson County District Court
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: 360-385-9131

5. How long does jury duty last?

Jury duty in Jefferson County Superior Court is generally 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 Jefferson County District Court is generally 1 or 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 once your term has started. Jurors will be excused only upon a demonstration of undue hardship or extreme inconvenience or for other reasons provided by law.

Prior to your term starting, please inform the Jury Manager if you have a physical or mental infirmity which prevents you from serving. You will likely be instructed to have your medical provider send written notice to the court for either a temporary or permanent excusal.

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 can contact our Jury Manager at (360) 385-9131 or send written requests to:

Jury Manager
Jefferson County District Court
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368

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 $15 per day. Checks are usually mailed within 30 days after the completion of jury service.

10. Must my employer pay me while I am on jury duty?

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.

11. When and where do I report for jury duty?

There will be signs in the courthouse directing you where to go to sign in for jury duty. First day jurors report at 9 a.m (or 8:30 am in some cases). On subsequent days, jurors will be told what time to report. Please be prompt. 1 late juror can waste the time of the many persons involved in a trial.

Always call the Jury Information Line at (360) 385-9131 after 4:00 pm on the business day before the trial is scheduled to begin to confirm whether or not to appear.

12. What is the order of events in the trial?

After the jury is selected, the trial will generally follow a set order of events, view the Order of Events in the Trial page.