Jury Service is one of the highest duties of citizenship.  It is also a very interesting experience and opportunity to learn more about our system of justice.  While it may require some adjustment in your normal schedule, we hope that any inconvenience will be minimal and that you will take this opportunity to participate in this vital democratic process. 

 To serve as a Juror:

1. You must be a citizen of the United States and of Louisiana and have resided in Jefferson Davis Parish for at least one year.
2. You must be at least eighteen years of age.
3. You must be able to read and write English.
4. You must not be interdicted or incapable of serving because of a mental or physical infirmity.
5. You must not be under indictment for a felony or convicted of a felony for which you have not been pardoned.

ONLY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS MAY CLAIM EXEMPTIONS FROM JURY SERVICE:
Persons who have served as a juror during a period of two years immediately preceding their selection for jury duty.

Persons 70 years of age or older

These exemptions are personal exemptions NOT disqualifications.  If a person does not wish to claim the exemption it may be waived.

THE COURT DOES NOT NORMALLY GRANT EXCUSES, EXCEPT FOR EXTREME HARDSHIP.  IF THE HARDSHIP IS MEDICAL, A NOTE FROM YOUR DOCTOR VERIFYING YOUR CONDITION IS REQUIRED.  IF THE HARDSHIP IS DUE TO YOUR EMPLOYMENT, A NOTE FROM YOUR EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED.  REQUESTS FOR AN EXTREME HARDSHIP EXCUSE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE JUDGE’S OFFICE IN PERSON AT 300 N. STATE ST., JENNINGS, LOUISIANA, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  NO EXCUSES WILL BE GRANTED AFTER THE WEDNESDAY PRECEDING YOUR FIRST DAY OF SERVICE.

For more information you can contact the Judge’s office:

Patricia Guidry

Email

(337) 824-3506

For a complete list of jury instructions, view our "Handbook for Jurors"