Jury Information
Notice
If someone contacts you claiming you missed jury duty and must pay a fine, it may be a scam. Courts will never ask for payment or personal information over the phone or by email for missed jury service. Learn more about jury scams here.
Jury Service in Idaho
Jurors are asked to perform one of the highest duties of citizenship to our state and nation.
A court case involves one party seeking action to declare or enforce rights guaranteed by law. Sometimes, a party may have a jury decide the facts of the case, applying the law as instructed by a judge during a trial.
Both the Idaho and U.S. constitution guarantee the right to a jury trial. The Idaho courts rely on jurors to perform their duty and protect this right for all of us. This call upon your time does not happen often. No one should avoid fulfilling this obligation except under the most pressing circumstances.
Your duties as a juror are to listen to the judge, witnesses and lawyers; to deliberate calmly and fairly; and to decide upon the evidence presented to you in court, and the instructions on the law given to you by the judge.
Who May Serve?
Under Idaho law, a person may serve as a juror if they:
- Are a United States citizen
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are a resident of the county where they are summoned
- Are able to understand and communicate in English
- Have not been convicted of a felony or, if they have been convicted of a felony, they have had their civil rights restored
Jury Service Instructions
A jury summons is an official notice from the court informing you that you have been randomly selected for potential jury service. The summons will arrive in the mail and provide instructions like:
When and where to report for jury service
How to complete your jury questionnaire
How to request a postponement or excuse if necessary
In Idaho, jury service is administered by each court and the process may vary. Your jury summons will include instructions specific to the court where you were summoned. Always follow the instructions provided on your summons and clarify any questions you have with your court’s jury commissioner. Their contact information can be found on your juror summons.
What is a juror questionnaire?
A juror questionnaire is a form that prospective jurors complete before reporting for jury service. It includes questions designed to gather basic information that can help the court determine if a prospective juror is eligible to serve and can fairly and impartially consider the facts when deciding a specific case.
Instructions for completing and returning a juror questionnaire may vary by court so it is important that you follow the steps provided on your jury summons.
Please note: Idaho courts take steps to protect juror privacy. The information you provide on your jury questionnaire is used only for jury administration and selection.
Requesting a postponement or exclusion from jury service
If you are unable to serve on the date listed on your jury summons, you may be able to request a postponement or be excused from jury service. Instructions for requesting a postponement or excuse will be included in your jury summons and may vary by court. Contact the court that issued your summons to clarify any questions you may have.
What happens when I report for jury service?
When you report for jury service, you will check in with court staff and receive instructions about the jury selection process. Follow these tips to ensure your reporting process goes smoothly:
Bring your jury summons and juror number with you
Plan to arrive early enough to allow time for parking and security screening
Dress appropriately but comfortably
You may spend time waiting while jury panels are organized and assigned to courtrooms. If a case proceeds to trial and jurors are needed, you may be called to participate with a group of prospective jurors in jury selection (voir dire).
How does the selection process work?
The process of selecting jurors for a specific case is called voir dire. During voir dire, a group of prospective jurors will be brought into the courtroom. The judge and attorneys for each side will ask questions to determine whether you can fairly and impartially decide the case on trial.
These questions may relate to:
Your background or life experiences
Whether you know anyone involved in the case
Whether you have any opinions or experiences that could affect your ability to consider the evidence objectively or follow the law as instructed by the judge
The court may excuse jurors during questioning if they have a personal or financial connection to either party on trial. Each attorney may also excuse a limited number of jurors using what are called “peremptory challenges.”
Once the questioning is complete the court selects a final group of jurors who will hear the case. If you are not selected for a particular case, you may be asked to return to the jury assembly area or complete your jury service for that reporting period at a later date.
Not everyone who reports for jury service will be selected to serve on a jury. However, everyone who reports plays an important role in the jury system.
What should I expect if I am selected for a jury?
If you are selected to serve on a jury, you will be asked to take an oath to render a true verdict according to the law as instructed by the judge, and the evidence produced in the case. The judge will then describe the trial process, what the case is about, and how the jury will carry out its responsibilities.
During a trial, you will:
Listen to opening statements from each side
Hear witness testimony and review evidence
Follow the law as explained by the judge
Listen to closing arguments
Deliberate with other jurors to reach a verdict
As a juror, you must listen carefully and remain impartial throughout the trial. You may not discuss the case with anyone outside the jury or conduct your own research about the case.
After closing arguments, the judge will provide final instructions about the law that you must apply when deciding the case. The jury will then meet privately to deliberate amongst each other until a verdict is reached.
How long will the trial take?
The length of a trial depends on the type and complexity of the case. Some trials last only a day while others may take several days or longer. The judge will usually give jurors an estimate of how long the trial is expected to last before the jury is selected.
What happens after a verdict is reached?
Once the jury reaches a verdict, you will return to the courtroom, and the verdict will be delivered. The judge will thank you for your service and release you from jury service after that.
As a juror, it is important that you remember that deliberations remain confidential after the trial and the private discussions that were shared in the jury room should not be shared.
Jurors receive compensation for their time and service, and Idaho law provides protections for employees called to serve on a jury.
Juror Pay & Mileage
Under Idaho law, jurors are entitled to receive at least $5 per half day or $10 per full day, plus mileage from your home to the courthouse at your county’s employee rate.
Employer Protections
Idaho law protects employees who are called to serve on a jury. Employers may not discharge, threaten, or penalize an employee because of jury service.
Accessibility accommodations
Idaho courts are committed to providing equal access and full participation in court programs and services for qualified individuals with disabilities. Jurors who need assistance can request a reasonable accommodation through their court’s ADA Coordinator. Visit our ADA Accommodations page to learn more about these services.
Excuses and Deferrals
If you are unable to serve on the date listed on your summons, you may be able to request a postponement (deferral) or an excuse. Instructions will be included with your jury summons.
How long does jury service last? – The length of service varies by court and by case.
Will I serve on a jury if I report? – Not everyone who reports will be selected.
What should I wear? – Jurors should dress neatly and comfortably.
Can I bring my phone or laptop? – Device use may be restricted in courtrooms.
Will there be meals and breaks? – Lunch and breaks are provided during trials.
What about childcare? – Courts do not cover childcare during jury service. However, they may postpone or excuse your jury service if childcare affects your ability to serve.
Jury Appreciation Week
Idaho courts recognize Juror Appreciation Week to express gratitude for Idahoans who contribute their time to serve on Jury Duty.
Jury Scam Alert
Jury scams targeting the public are on the rise. Visit our Scam Alert page frequently to stay informed about the latest scam reports and find resources to protect yourself from fraudulent activity.