Welcome to jury service!
JURY TRIAL STATUS: The Jury Term scheduled October 17th & 18th, 2024 has been cancelled. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
Your Job as a Juror
Your job as a juror is to listen to all the evidence presented at trial. The judge's job is to make decisions on legal issues that come up during the trial. All must do their job well if our system of trial by jury is to work. You do not need special knowledge or ability to do your job. It is enough that you keep an open mind, use common sense, concentrate on the evidence presented, and be fair and honest in your deliberations. Remember: Do not be influenced by sympathy or prejudice. It is vital that you be impartial with regard to all testimony presented at the trial. We hope you find your experience as a juror interesting and satisfying. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
How do I check in on the day of trial?
To avoid a long line at juror check-in, simply come inside the courthouse and follow the signage.
Remember to always call the juror hotline, 425-771-0210, after 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to your report date for status of trial and any additional directions.
How was I chosen?
First, your name was selected at random from voter registration and driver's license and "identicard" records. Then, your answers to the juror questionnaire were evaluated to make sure you were eligible for jury service. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror, and you must be able to communicate in English. Those eligible may be excused from jury service if they have illnesses that would interfere with their ability to do a good job, would suffer great hardship if required to serve, or are unable to serve for other legitimate reasons. In short, you were chosen because you are eligible and able to serve. You are now part of the "jury pool" -- a group of citizens from which trial juries are chosen.
What's next?
In the courtroom, the judge will tell you about the case, then introduce the lawyers and others who are involved in it. You will also take an oath, in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully. After you're sworn in, the judge and the lawyers will question you and other members of the panel to find out if you have any knowledge about the case, any personal interest in it, or any feelings that might make it hard for you to be impartial. This questioning process is called voir dire, which means "to speak the truth."
Though some of the questions may seem personal, you should answer them completely and honestly. If you are uncomfortable answering them, tell the judge and they may ask them privately. Remember: Questions are not asked to embarrass you. They are intended to make sure members of the jury have no opinions or past experiences which might prevent them from making an impartial decision.
How long will I serve?
How many days and hours you work as a juror depends on the jury selection system in your county. The judge may vary daily working hours to accommodate witnesses who have special travel or schedule problems. You may be struck by how much waiting you have to do. For example, you may have to wait before you are placed on a jury. During trial, you may have to wait in the jury room while the judge and the lawyers settle questions of law. Judges and other courtroom personnel will do everything they can to minimize the waiting both before and during trial. Your understanding is appreciated.
Can I go home during the trial?
Usually. But in extremely rare cases, you may be "sequestered" during the trial or during jury deliberations. This is done to assure that jurors don't hear or see something about the case that wasn't mentioned in court.
Might I be called but not sit on a jury?
Yes. Sometimes parties in a case settle their differences only moments before the trial is scheduled to begin. In such instances you will be excused with the thanks of the court.
What should I wear or bring?
Dress comfortably. Suits, ties and other, more formal wear are not necessary. But don't get too informal -- beach wear, shorts, halter or tank tops are not appropriate in court. You may bring a personal lap blanket or shawl as we keep the courtroom cool. Hats in the courtroom are prohibited unless worn for religious purposes.
You may bring a personal drinking container with a lid and/or thermos. The court will be offering a communal coffee/tea and water station. You will be released during lunch, unless it is during deliberations. Feel free to bring your own lunch. The Veterans' Plaza in front of the courthouse also provides a beautiful place to eat a sack lunch. Many restaurants are within walking distance that offer both take-out and dine-in options.
The trial process often entails matters that must be addressed outside the presence of the jury. Feel free to bring your laptop or other devices and a good book. You will have access to wifi. Please bring earphones if you intend to listen to audio when not in the courtroom so as not to disturb your fellow jurors.
If I'm physically challenged?
Judges and employees of Washington courts are committed to making jury service accessible to everyone. Though some courthouses are outdated and do not meet modern, American Disability Act standards, attempts to accommodate all jurors will be made. If you have a hearing, sight or mobility problem, ask a member of the court staff for help.
What about my job?
Washington law says employers, "shall provide an employee with sufficient leave of absence from employment when that employee is summoned" for jury duty. It also says employers, "shall not deprive an employee of employment or threaten, coerce, or harass an employee or deny an employee promotional opportunities" for serving as a juror. It does not say your employer has to pay you while you serve.
What if I have an emergency?
Because your absence could delay a trial, it is important that you report each day you are required to. If a real emergency occurs -- a sudden illness, accident or death in the family -- tell the court staff immediately so that the trial can be scheduled around you.
What types of cases may I hear?
In the Edmonds Municipal Court you will hear criminal cases. A criminal case is brought by the City against one or more persons accused of committing a crime. In these cases, the City is the plaintiff and the accused person is the defendant.
What happens during a trial?
Events in a trial usually happen in a particular order, though the order may be changed by the judge. Here's the usual order of events:
Step 1: Selection of the jury
Step 2: Opening statements
Step 3: Presentation of evidence
Step 4: Jury instructions
Step 5: Closing arguments
Step 6: Jury deliberations
Step 7: Announcement of the verdict