Juror Services

Jurors perform a vital role in the American system of justice.  The protection of our rights and liberties is largely achieved through the teamwork of the judge and jury who, working together in a common effort, put into practice the principles of our great heritage of freedom.  The judge determines the law to be applied in the case while the jury decides the facts.  Thus, in a very important way, jurors become a part of the court itself.

Why Is Jury Service Important?

The United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution guarantee all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to trial by an impartial jury.  Justice ultimately depends to a large measure upon the quality of the jurors who serve in our courts.

 What is my Duty As A Juror?

As a juror, you must be fair and impartial.  Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice.

Juror Statutory Qualifications

A PERSON IS QUALIFIED TO SERVE AS A PETIT JUROR IF THAT PERSON:

• at least 18 years of age; 
• is a citizen of this state and of the city in which one is to serve as a juror;
• is qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in the city in which the individual is to serve as juror;
• is of sound mind and good moral character;
• is able to read and write;
• has not been convicted of a felony or theft;
• is not under indictment of other legal accusations of a misdemeanor or felony theft or any other felony;
• has not served as a petit juror for six days during the preceding three months in a county court or during the preceding six months in a district court.

(Ch. 480 Sec. 62.106 Government Code)

Juror Selection

• is over 70 years of age:
• has legal custody of a child or children younger than ten years of age and serving on the jury
• requires leaving the child or children without adequate supervision
• is a student of a public or private high school;
• is a person enrolled and in actual attendance at a college;
• is an officer or an employee of the Senate, the House of Representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or any agency in the legislative branch of state government;
• is a primary caretaker of a person who is an invalid and unable to care for him/herself (not employed out of the home)
• has served as a petit juror in a county with a population of at least 250,000 during the three-year period preceding the date of the jury summons;
• is a member of the U.S. military forces serving on active duty and deployed away from the member’s home station and out of the member’s county of residence;

On the day of your appearance date:

Please make sure you bring your summons with you on your appearance date.  Free parking is available in the Municipal Court parking lot at 4610 Maher Ave., Laredo, Texas 78041.  Jurors will be given a juror verification form for their employer should they need one.  Please keep in mind there is no legal requirement that employers must pay you while you are on jury service.