This page applies to jury service in most of the circuit, criminal and chancery courts of Tennessee.

You may receive in the mail a jury summons from the court indicating that you are being called to serve as a prospective juror. This means that your name was drawn from the current list of registered voters or licensed drivers in the county.

All names are selected at random from these sources, which provide the jury system with a fair cross-section of the communities that it represents. At all stages of selection, the jury commissioner must insure that the selection process represents a random cross-section of qualified persons residing within the county. As a necessary part of this requirement, no person or persons can be selectively included or excluded from the list of qualified jurors.

The Tennessee Code spells out the minimum requirements for a person competent to act as a juror. One of the primary requirements is that you must be a citizen of the United States, of the age of 18 or older, and you must reside in your electoral district for a period of at least 12 months prior to service on a jury.

A second requirement is that you be mentally competent, of ordinary intelligence, and not incapacitated or an habitual drunkard. You are not automatically excluded solely because of imperfect loss of sight or partial loss of hearing. If you believe there is a medical reason you should not serve as a juror, it may be necessary to submit a supporting statement in writing from your doctor.

The final requirement for jury duty is that you be able to read and speak simple English.

You will be summoned to serve on either civil or criminal cases depending on the court issuing the summons. Circuit court and criminal court handle the method jurors serve differently, and you will be instructed as to the procedure for your court on the day you are summoned to appear. Each time you come in as a prospective juror, you can expect to go into the courtroom and go through the jury selection process. If you are not selected as a juror on the date summoned, you are excused and given instructions on when you need to return, if at all.

If you cannot serve during the scheduled impanelment period, it may be possible to excuse you to be summoned at a later date. It is expected that if your obligation is deferred, you will make appropriate arrangements so that you can serve during a later impanelment period. Only the judges may excuse a prospective juror. Do not call anyone, please appear on the date summoned.

For each appearance as a trial juror, you are entitled to the nominal fee of $11.00 per day plus $3.00 for parking.

Remember, jury service is your right and duty as a citizen. Failure to respond to a jury summons could result in sanctions against you by the court. Your assistance and participation is needed in order that the courts may operate in the most efficient manner possible.

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The information available through TBALink LawBytes is basic legal information and is not a substitute for legal advice. LawBytes is provided by the Tennessee Bar Association as a public service and for general information only. It should not be considered legal advice. You should consult your attorney if you have questions concerning any specific situation. If you do not have an attorney, may we suggest that you contact your local bar association's referral service. The topics covered through TBALink LawBytes will provide basic information and should make it easier for someone with a problem to decide whether they need professional help from a lawyer or if another agency could provide them with assistance.