FAQs • Westmoreland County, PA • CivicEngage

I am a college student. Do I have to miss class?: No. Simply fill in "yes" to question #9 on your juror questionnaire and further instructions will be mailed to you. If you are unable to fill out the form, someone may complete it for you.

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Jury Duty

1. Why should I serve?: The United States Government offers its citizens the basic right of trial by jury. By serving when called, you fulfill a vital role in our government. Without the cooperation of the citizens, we could not provide a fair and impartial system of justice. Why I Am Needed to Serve

2. How are jurors selected to serve for jury duty?: Every year, the Jury Service Center receives a list from Harrisburg of over 200,000 potential jurors from Westmoreland County. Those names are drawn from multiple sources including, voter registration, driver’s license, tax records and welfare records. Westmoreland County receives the potential juror names electronically from the State. Each month, the Jury Service Center randomly draws the names of jurors who will be summoned for jury service for a particular month. Juror summonses are then mailed out to potential jurors. If an individual is not a resident of Westmoreland County and receives a jury summons, the individual's name must still be linked to Westmoreland County as a resident via one of the sources used by the State to develop the list of potential jurors for Westmoreland County. The individual may need to make any necessary changes or corrections with any of the above offices (voter registration, driver’s license, and tax or welfare records) to indicate that he or she is no longer a Westmoreland County resident.

3. What are my duties as a juror?: Your duty is to weigh all the evidence and testimony presented to you and decide the outcome of the case based upon the law and evidence. Your decision must be fair, impartial, and free of any bias or prejudice.

4. How often can I be summoned for jury duty?: If you are summoned for jury duty and appear on your scheduled date, you are excused from further summons during the next three year period.

5. How long does jury service last?: Westmoreland County operates on a one day, one trial system. If you are not selected on a jury, a typical day lasts from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm, with a substantial lunch time available. However, if you are selected as a juror, the presiding judge will inform you of the length of the trial which on average lasts 2 to 3 days.

6. What should I wear to jury duty?: Jurors should dress comfortably but properly for a courthouse setting. Shorts, mini skirts, tank tops and halter tops are not permitted. If you report wearing clothing that is considered inappropriate, you will be asked to return home (at your own expense) to change into suitable attire.

7. Where should I park?: Parking is available at the Robert Bell Parking Garage on Otterman Street at the rate of $1.00 per hour. You may pay for parking at the elevator with cash or card. If you would like to pay at the gate you can, but only with a credit card. There are 3 lots on Maple Avenue near the YMCA, 1 lot on North Main Street, 1 lot on South Pennsylvania Avenue, and 1 lot on Ehalt Street near the train station with ten-hour meters. Parking may be paid by using quarters or by using the Meter Feeder App on your smart phone at a discounted rate. PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE STREET BECAUSE THEY ARE ONLY 2 HOUR METERS. The cost of parking is the responsibility of the juror.
Public Parking Map

8. What can I bring with me to Jury Duty?: Because the jury process can take a considerable amount of time, jurors are encouraged to bring a book with them. Laptops are permitted and access to wireless internet is available in the jury assembly area. Cell phones and pagers are also permitted, but must be turned off when entering a courtroom.

9. What facilities are available to jurors?: There are rest rooms and vending machines available on the jury assembly room floor, and coffee service is provided. When dismissing for lunch, there is a Subway restaurant in the annex building of the courthouse, as well as numerous restaurants within walking distance. You may also bring a lunch with you. We have a comfortable room with tables so you may eat your bagged lunch comfortably. Local restaurants

10. May someone accompany me to jury duty?: You may have someone escort you to and from jury service. However, that person is not permitted to enter the jury assembly area. We have seating available outside the jury room where your guest may wait, and you may join them there.

11. May I send someone else in my place for jury duty?: It is not permissible for you to have another individual appear on your behalf for jury duty. Only the individual named on the summons may fulfill the service requirement.

12. What if I do not appear for jury duty?: Failure to appear when summoned severely undermines our system of justice and may result in a fine and/or imprisonment for those who fail to comply with their juror summons.

13. Will I be compensated for jury duty?: You will be paid $9.00 per day, plus mileage. If you serve on a trial that lasts more than three days, your daily rate will increase to $25.00 on the 4th day. Payment is mailed to you approximately three weeks after completion of your service.

14. Must my employer pay me while I'm on jury duty?: No, an employer is not required by law to pay employees who are on jury duty, but many do. Work slips will be provided for you upon completion of your service.

15. Can my employer fire me for performing jury duty?: No. Pennsylvania Law prohibits an employer for terminating or otherwise penalizing an employee for serving jury duty.

16. Is there an age limit for serving as a juror?: Citizens 18 years of age or older are eligible. There is no age limit to participate in jury duty; however, persons 75 years of age or older can request to be exempted from Jury Duty effective January 1, 2016

17. What if I have a medical condition that prohibits me from serving as a juror?: If you are unable to render jury service due to a physical or mental disorder, you may be excused or postpone your jury service. Simply check the "yes" box to question #13 on your juror questionnaire and further instructions will be mailed to you.

18. I am in the military. Am I excused?: Citizens currently in active military service will be excused from jury duty. Simply check "yes" to question #8 on your juror questionnaire form. Also, if you are unavailable to fill out the form, someone may complete it for you.

19. I am a college student. Do I have to miss class?: No. Simply fill in "yes" to question #9 on your juror questionnaire and further instructions will be mailed to you. If you are unable to fill out the form, someone may complete it for you.

20. What if I have a family vacation or business trip scheduled the same time as my summons date?: When filling out your juror confirmation form, fill in "yes" to question #14 and provide detailed explanation. An alternate jury date will be assigned and mailed to you.

21. May I be excused due to my moral or religious beliefs?: No. Pennsylvania Law does not provide for an excuse from jury duty due to moral or religious beliefs.

22. Can I return my summons via fax?: No, faxed documents do not process in our scanner. Please mail in, or complete your summons online.