WELCOME TO JURY SERVICE
You have been summoned to appear for jury selection in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota. Serving as a juror is a fundamental obligation we all share as citizens of the United States. It is only by having individuals, such as yourself, participating in the process that we can be assured that all litigants in the federal court will be afforded their constitutional right to a trial by jury. We appreciate your willingness to accept this important responsibility. The following information will answer many of your questions. However, if you have additional questions after reading this, please contact the clerk’s office at 1-877-614-2377; 701-530-2336 or click here to send an email. We are here to help you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a grand juror and a petit juror?
Can I bring my cell phone with me to the courthouse?
Will I have to go through security when I report for jury service?
How do I request to be excused from jury service?
Does the law protect my employment?
Are there restrictions on what I can bring to the courthouse?
Why must I serve in Bismarck, Fargo, Minot or Grand Forks?
Who is qualified to serve as a juror?
Who is exempt from jury service?
Who may be excused from jury service?
Where is the courthouse located?
Qualification Questionnaire Information
I was not able to return the questionnaire within the 10 day time period? What should I do?
I am a U.S. Postal employee. Am I considered a federal employee?
I am a member of the National Guard. Am I considered a federal employee?
I am a farmer or rancher. Can I be excused during calving season, seeding & harvest times?
I am a snowbird and go south for the winter. Can I be excused during that time?
I am a college student. Do I have to report for jury service?
I lost my qualification questionnaire. How can I get another one?
Why does the questionnaire ask about my race and/or gender?
I no longer live in North Dakota. Must I still complete the questionnaire?
There was no return envelope provided in my packet? What is the address to return the form?
I am age 70 or over. Do I have to complete the entire questionnaire?
I am age 70 or over.Can I be excused from jury service because of my age?
My mother/father is in a nursing home. May I complete the questionnaire on his/her behalf?
How long is my term of service?
How often will I have to report during my term of service?
How am I notified to report for jury service?
Why must I call the Juryline the night before I am scheduled to report?
How long is a typical trial day?
How can my family contact me while I am on jury service?
Will food or refreshments be provided?
How will I be notified to report for a specific trial?
How will I be notified if I don’t have to report?
If I have to stay overnight, am I required to stay at a certain hotel?
What happens on the first day of jury service and how long will I be there?
Will I ever be required to stay late in the evening or be sequestered?
How long is a typical trial day and will we have breaks?
Can a family member or friend be with me in the courtroom?
What if my employer wants proof that I was serving on a jury?
Do I get paid for jury service?
Do I get reimbursed for mileage?
Do I get reimbursed for hotel/motel expenses?
Do I have to report jury fees to the IRS?
Will I be paid if I travel the day before I am summoned to report?
The names of prospective jurors are selected from the actual voter lists following the presidential election. County auditors provide the U.S. District Court with the names of actual voters randomly selected pursuant to the Jury Plan for the District of North Dakota.
What is the difference between a grand juror and a petit juror?
The function of the grand jury is to listen to evidence presented by the United States attorney and to determine if there is enough evidence to charge an individual or a corporation with a crime.
The function of the petit jury is to listen to evidence presented by the parties at trial, to determine issues of fact, and to reach a verdict in accordance with those findings.
Can I bring my cell phone with me to the courthouse?
Visitor cell phones and/or pagers are not allowed in the federal building.
Will I have to go through security when I report for jury service?
Yes. Any individual entering the federal courthouse will have to pass through a metal detector. . If possible, avoid wearing lots of jewelry and belts with large buckles. Purses, briefcases, packages, etc., will be x-rayed. If you have a cell phone with you, you will be required to return it to your vehicle.
How do I request to be excused from jury service?
Temporary Excuses: The Court recognizes that jurors may need to request a temporary excuse from jury service for vacations, business obligations, graduations, medical appointments, etc. All requests for excuse 1) must be in writing, 2) should state the dates you are unavailable for jury service and 3) should briefly explain the reason for the request. The requests can sent by US mail or by email to the following addresses:
Fargo/Grand Forks Jurors: Clerk, US District Court, 655 1st Ave N, Fargo ND 58102; click here to send a email to Fargo
Bismarck/Minot Jurors: Clerk, US District Court, PO Box 1193, Bismarck ND 58502; click here to send a email to Bismarck
As soon as you become aware of dates that you are not available for jury service, make the Court aware of those dates. The Court will make every effort to grant requests for temporary excuse from jury service.
Requests for excuse must be from the juror, not from your employer.
Does the law protect my employment?
Yes. Your job is protected under Title 28, United States Code, Section 1875. It is unlawful for any employer to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee because of jury service. Employers must allow their employees time off for jury service.
Employers are not required by law to pay your salary or wages while the you are reporting for
jury service. We suggest you check with your employee regarding any jury duty policy they may have in place.
A certificate of attendance certifying your attendance as a juror will be provided upon request.
If you experience difficulty with your employer because of jury service, please contact the Court immediately.
Are there restrictions on what I can bring to the courthouse?
All persons entering the courthouse must go through security and have their personal belongings (purse, bag, etc.) x-rayed. You will not be allowed to enter the courthouse with the following items: cell phones, pagers, cameras, knives. You will be asked to return those items to your vehicle before being allowed to enter the federal building.
While no formal dress code exists, jurors are requested to dress in a manner respectful to the litigants and the Court. The courtrooms are generally very cool so you may want to bring a sweater or light jacket.
Why must I serve in Bismarck, Fargo, Minot or Grand Forks?
The places of holding court in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota are set by statute.
| If you reside in these counties, you will report at Bismarck: | |||
| Adams | Emmons | Logan | Oliver |
| Billings | Golden Valley | McIntosh | Sioux |
| Bowman | Grant | McLean | Slope |
| Burleigh | Hettinger | Mercer | Stark |
| Dunn | Kidder | Morton | |
| If you reside in these counties, you will report at Minot: | ||||
| Bottineau | McHenry | Pierce | Sheridan | Williams |
| Burke | McKenzie | Renville | Ward | |
| Divide | Mountrail | Rollette | Wells | |
| If you reside in these counties, you will report at Fargo: | |||
| Barnes | Eddy | LaMoure | Sargent |
| Cass | Foster | Ransom | Steele |
| Dickey | Griggs | Richland | Stutsman |
| If you reside in these counties, you will report at Grand Forks: | ||
| Benson | Nelson | Traill |
| Cavalier | Pembina | Towner |
| Grand Forks | Ramsey | Walsh |
Who is qualified to serve as a juror?
Persons are deemed qualified to serve as jurors UNLESS the person:
1. is not United States citizen
2. is not 18 years of age or older
3. has not resided in North Dakota for a period of at least one year
4. is unable to read, write, speak and understand the English language
5. is incapable, because of mental or physical infirmity, to render satisfactory jury service; or
6. has a charge pending for the commission of, or has been convicted in a state or federal court of record, of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and whose civil rights have not been restored.
Who is exempt from jury service?
1. Members in the Armed Forces of the United States who are on active duty.
2. Members of any governmental police or fire department (not including volunteer or non-governmental departments).
3. Elected public officials of the federal, state or local government, who are actively engaged in the full-time performance of public duties; or persons directly appointed by an elected official.
Who may be excused from jury service?
Upon written request, individuals may be excused for the following reasons:
1. Over age 70 (you must include your date of birth in the request).
2. Persons who have served as a grand or petit juror in the Federal court within the last 2 years.
3. A person who serves without compensation as a volunteer firefighter of member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew for a federal, state or local government agency.
4. A person having active care and custody of a child or children whose health or safety would be jeopardized by your absence for jury service.
5. A person who is essential to the care of an aged or infirm person.
6. A full-time student.
7. A person actively practicing or engaged full-time as an attorney.
8. A person actively practicing or engaged full-time providing emergency health care services.
9. A person actively practicing or engaged full-time as a member of the clergy.
Where is the courthouse located?
Bismarck | Fargo | Grand Forks | Minot
I was on jury duty in the state or county district court. Can I be excused from federal jury service?
No. The state and federal courts are separate.
I was permanently excused from previous federal jury service, but I have received another questionnaire. Why?
We randomly select names from the actual voter lists of each presidential election. When you voted in the most recent presidential election, your name went back on the list of potential jurors. You should complete the qualification questionnaire, and, if appropriate, you may a request for permanent excuse.
Qualification Questionnaire Information
I was not able to return the questionnaire within the 10 day time period? What should I do?
Please complete the questionnaire and return it to us as soon as possible.
I am a U.S. Postal employee. Am I considered a federal employee?
No, you are not considered to be a federal employee and you will be paid the attendance fee
I am a member of the National Guard. Am I considered a federal employee?
No, you are not considered to a federal employee and you will be paid the attendance fee.
I am a farmer or rancher. Can I be excused during calving season, seeding & harvest times?
You should submit a written request for temporary excuse from jury service during those times.
I am a snowbird and go south for the winter. Can I be excused during that time?
You should submit a written request for temporary excuse from jury service during that time.
I am a college student. Do I have to report for jury service?
Full-time students may be excused from jury service if they may the request (either on the questionnaire form, in a letter or by email request).
I have a medical condition which will make it difficult for me to serve as a juror. Do you need a doctor’s statement?
No. You should briefly explain the medical condition, either on the back of the questionnaire form, in a letter or in an email.
I lost my qualification questionnaire. How can I get another one?
Contact the jury administrator by telephone at 1-877-614-2377 or click here and send a email to request a duplicate questionnaire form.
Why does the questionnaire ask about my race and/or gender?
Federal law requires you as a prospective juror to indicate your race. This answer is required solely to avoid discrimination in jury selection and has no bearing on your qualifications for jury service. By answering this question you help the federal court check and observe the juror selection process so that discrimination cannot occur. In this way, the federal court can fulfill the policy of the United States , which is to provide jurors who are randomly selected from a fair cross section of the community.
I no longer live in North Dakota. Must I still complete the questionnaire?
You do not have to complete the entire questionnaire. Please indicate your new address, sign, date and return the form in the envelope provided to you.
There was no return envelope provided in my packet? What is the address to return the form?
You may return the form in a regular letter envelope to: Clerk, U.S. District Court, PO Box 1193, Bismarck ND 58502
I am age 70 or over. Do I have to complete the entire questionnaire?
No. You only have to answer
*Question number 2: Are you 18 years of age or older? (You must include your date of birth); and
*Question number 14: Grounds for Requesting Excuse (Fill in circle 1 to indicate you are requesting to be excused because of your age.)
I am age 70 or over. Can I be excused from jury service because of my age?
Yes. You may make the request to be excused when completing the juror qualification questionnaire. If you wish to make the request after you have returned the questionnaire, you must submit a written request for excuse.
My son/daughter received a qualification questionnaire. He/she is a full-time student. May I complete the questionnaire on their behalf?
Yes, if you have their permission, On the back side of the form, under “Remarks”you must indicate your name, your relationship to the person named on the questionnaire and the reason why you completed the form for them.
My mother/father is in a nursing home. May I complete the questionnaire on his/her behalf?
Yes. On the back side of the form, under “Remarks”you must indicate your name, your relationship to the person named on the questionnaire and the reason why you completed the form for them.
My relative is physically or mentally handicapped. May I complete the questionnaire on his/her behalf?
Yes. On the back side of the form, under “Remarks”you must indicate your name, your relationship to the person named on the questionnaire and the reason why you completed the form for them.
How long is my term of service?
The term of service for petit jurors is 6 months: March 1 through August 31 or September 1 through February 28. The District of North Dakota as a “report twice/serve once” policy. During your term of service you will not be summoned to report for jury service on more than two occasions. If you report once and are selected to serve as a trial juror, upon conclusion of the trial you will be excused from jury service. If you are not selected as a trial juror, you may be summoned to report on at least one more occasion.
The term of service for grand jurors is 18 months.
How often will I have to report during my term of service?
Typically, you will not have to report to the courthouse more than two times during your 6 month term of service.
If you report once and are selected as a juror, you will be permanently excused upon conclusion of the trial. If you are not selected as a juror, you may be summoned to report one more time.
How am I notified to report for jury service?
Approximately two weeks prior to the date you are to report, the court will mail a two-part postcard summoning you to report for a specific trial. The notice will state the date and time you are to report and will include the estimated length of the trial. You should immediately sign the card, indicate your one way mileage, and return the acknowledgment portion of the card so the clerk will know that you have received the notice and are able to report for jury service.
Why must I call the Juryline the night before I am scheduled to report?
We have found that using the Juryline is the most efficient way to advise jurors in the event there has been a change in the court schedule. When calling the Juryline you will reach a recorded message with final reporting instructions. If there has been a change, it saves jurors an unnecessary trip to the courthouse.
How long is a typical trial day?
Court is usually in session from 9:00 AM until 12:00 Noon and from 1:15 PM until 4:30 PM. There is usually one break in the morning and one break in the afternoon.
How can my family contact me while I am on jury service?
They may call the clerk’s office and leave a message for you.
Clerk’s Office Telephone Numbers: Fargo/Grand Forks Jurors: 701-297-7000
Bismarck/Minot Jurors: 701-530-2300
Will food or refreshments be provided?
The Court will provide bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and light snacks for trial jurors.
The jury room is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave for your use.
How will I be notified to report for a specific trial?
Approximately 10 days to 2 weeks prior to a trial, a two-part postcard will be mailed to you, advising you of the date and time you must report. You will also be advised of the estimated length of the trial. You should immediately sign and return the appropriate portion of the card to let the court know that you have received the notice to report. If you have a conflict, you should immediately submit a written request for excuse.
How will I be notified if I don’t have to report?
You must call the Juryline after 5:00 PM on the night before you are instructed to report. You will reach a recorded message with final reporting instructions. The Juryline is available on week-ends and holidays.
Fargo/Grand Forks Juryline: 701-297-7033; toll-free: 1-877-864-9856
Bismarck/Minot Juryline: 701-530-2336; toll-free 1-877-614-2377
If I have to stay overnight, am I required to stay at a certain hotel?
No. You may stay wherever you choose. When checking in, identify yourself as a federal juror and request the government rate, if applicable. You must submit a copy of your hotel receipt to the clerk’s office to receive the full subsistence amount.
The Juryline is a toll free number that you can call for final reporting instructions or if you have questions regarding jury service. You must call the Juryline after 5:00 PM on the day before you are summoned to report for jury service. The message is available on week-ends and holidays.
Fargo/Grand Forks Juryline: 701-297-7033; toll-free: 1-877-864-9856
Bismarck/Minot Juryline: 701-530-2336; toll-free 1-877-614-2377
What happens on the first day of jury service and how long will I be there?
You will view a short video regarding jury service in the federal court. Jury selection will take approximately 3 to 3 ½ hours. The trial will begin as soon as the jury has been selected. If you are not selected as a juror, you will be free to leave.
The average length of trial in the District of North Dakota is 2-3 days. You will be advised of the estimated length of trial when you are summoned to report for a specific trial. If serving on a lengthy trial would be difficult for you, you may submit a written request for excuse from that trial.
No. The court will provide bottled water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. A light mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack will be provided. There is a refrigerator and a microwave available for your use in the jury room.
Will I ever be required to stay late in the evening or be sequestered?
It is unusual for trials to run into the evening hours. If that were to happen, you would have ample time to make necessary arrangements and advise your family.
It is extremely unusual for jurors to be sequestered. If sequestration is a possibility, you will be notified at the time you are summoned to report for a particular trial.
How long is a typical trial day and will we have breaks?
Court is usually in session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM. There will be at least one break in the morning and one break in the afternoon.
Can a family member or friend be with me in the courtroom?
Friends and family members may sit in the courtroom during the jury selection process.
What if my employer wants proof that I was serving on a jury?
A certificate of attendance certifying your attendance as a juror will be provided upon request.
Do I get paid for jury service?
You will be paid an attendance fee of $40.00 for each day you report for jury service. Federal employees will be paid by their agency and are not paid the attendance fee.
Do I get reimbursed for mileage?
Yes. Click here for current rate. You will be paid round trip mileage from your residence to the courthouse. You will be asked to provide your mileage to the court when you are summoned to report for jury service.
Do I get reimbursed for hotel/motel expenses?
Yes. If you live more than 50 miles from the courthouse and you stay overnight you will be paid a subsistence amount. Click here for current subsistence amounts. You may stay in a hotel, motel, or with family or friends. You are not required to stay overnight.
Do I have to report jury fees to the IRS?
Yes, jury attendance fees must be reported to the IRS. The Court will not issue 1099's unless the amount paid to you in a calendar year is $600 or more (15 days or more of jury attendance). The court encourages you to keep track of the number of days you are paid the attendance fee.
This reporting requirement only applies to the $40 attendance fee. You are not required to report the mileage and susbsistence amounts which are expense reimbursements.
Will I be paid if I travel the day before I am summoned to report?
If you live more than 50 miles from the courthouse you may travel the day before you are summoned to report. You will be paid the $40 attendance fee, mileage and the appropriate subsistence amount.
Jury checks will be mailed to you approximately 2 weeks after you have reported.