What happens when you get selected for jury duty

Jury duty can look different depending on where you are in the U.S., and whether you’re serving on a jury in a federal court or state court. But here’s what to generally expect.

Also worth knowing: Trials are rare in the U.S. Most felony convictions, at the state and federal levels, are instead the result of plea bargains.

If you’ve had jury duty, how did the experience make you feel?

🎥: Chris Vazquez / The Marshall Project

Transcript:
CHRIS VAZQUEZ: Here’s what can happen when you get selected for jury duty in the U.S. Courts will usually tell you by phone or mail where and when to show up. If you don’t show up, you might get a fine or another penalty, unless you’re sick or have an emergency that you tell the court about. Lots of courts will also tell you what not to wear. During the trial, you’ll hear opening statements, presentation of evidence and closing arguments. During the trial, you can’t discuss the case with anyone or research the case. There might be delays, so you can usually bring stuff to read.

JUROR: Can I bring my phone or laptop?

CHRIS: It depends on the court. How long you spend in court each day can depend, but wrapping up around 5 or 6 p.m. isn’t uncommon, and being held overnight is pretty rare. Trials usually last one to four days, but they can be longer.

JUROR: Wait, what if I don’t know anything about the law?

JUDGE: I’ll tell you what you need to know. Then, it’s your job to decide the outcome of the case.

CHRIS: Then, you deliberate and decide the verdict, like…

JUROR 1: Guilty!

CHRIS: …or…

JUROR 2: Not guilty!

CHRIS: …in a criminal trial. But if the jury can’t agree, the judge can declare a mistrial. You might get paid depending on where you are, but the amount can vary a lot.