endobj endobj Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require an employer to provide annual, vacation, or sick leave to employees who otherwise are not entitled to the benefits under policies of the employer. After listening to the judges oral charge, the jury retires to begin jury deliberations. Smoking is permitted outside the building, however, because of time limitations there will not always be opportunities to go outside. Upon completion of a voir dire examination, each attorney may strike the names of jurors from the list of prospective jurors until only 12 names remain. Who can be excused from jury service?Very few people are excused from jury duty. <> Park in the deck at Scott and Lawrence Streets. In most criminal cases on which you may be asked to serve, the crime with which the defendant is charged will be a "felony." A Juror must be impartial until (s)he hears all the evidence and law applicable to the case. It will be at the discretion of the court that summoned you whether to accept or deny your excuse. Will my expense allowance be deducted from my salary? If someone attempts to talk to a juror, (s)he should report it to the judge. The Lawrence County Courthouse is located at 14451 Market St, Moulton, Al. A witness may testify as an expert based on professional experience. The court will not reimburse you for parking citations. What can I expect when I report to the courthouse for jury service? - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Questions asked during voir dire may seem personal but should be answered completely and honestly. All requests for jury duty deferral must be made in writing or online. You will be located and your message relayed. After the jury is selected, the trial will generally follow this order of events: Opening Statements: The lawyers for each side may explain the case, the evidence they will present, and the issues for the jury to decide. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. Evidence can be testimony given by a witness at trial or a physical exhibit such as a gun or a photograph. Closing arguments follow evidence presentation, at which time both sides summarize the case from their viewpoint. You should register online prior to reporting. Wear comfortable clothing, which reflects the seriousness of jury service. A juror should listen carefully to all questions by both parties on direct or cross examination of the witness, the testimony given in response to the questions, and the judges instructions to the jury. In Baldwin County, we have two (2) week jury terms, but you most likely will not serve every day of the term. These are called "punitive damages." How often am I required to serve as a juror? Please be prompt. 10 0 obj The judge is an elected or appointed official who administers proceedings between the parties. There are many reasons why an attorney might prefer some jurors to others for a particular trial. A jurors verdict can only be based upon the evidence presented. An Alabama jury may be excused from jury service due to advanced age, at their request, if they are over age 70. Juror PIN help_outline Must be at least 1 characters County help_outline Date To Appear help_outline Invalid Date Date of Birth help_outline Invalid Date No. Should you be released earlier than expected, you should return to your job. In the state of Alabama, physicians, dentists, and nurses are exempt from jury duty. You will need to call Lisa Burdette at (334) 864-4348and give your updated address and phone number to be taken off of the list for that week. All those that have been summoned for jury service should report on the day required, to the large courtroom, at the Bay Minette courthouse. Our Justices, Judges and staff share the sentiments of former United States Chief Justice Earl Warren when he stated that, "The success of any legal system is measured by its fidelity to the universal ideal of justice." Report to the Main Courtroom. Jury Information. The court, however, can require the defendant to reimburse the state for these costs, if s(he) is able. A Civil case is an action between parties seeking an impartial settlement of a dispute. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. Montgomery, Al. Jury service is scheduled to be for a two week period. The attorney general has ruled in Opinion 95-00007 and Opinion 97-0138 that any second or third shift employee is placed on first shift status by law for their week of jury duty service. Thank you for serving! Report to the Main Courtroom. The jurys verdict can only be based upon evidence presented in court. Copyright 2020 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. You should arrive in time to be checked in. Employers are prohibited by law 12-16-8.1) from firing an employee for serving as a juror. This website provides information on the judges, courts, filing fees, juror information and other pertinent information about the Mobile County courts. State law prohibits an employer from dismissing an employee because (s)he is summoned for jury service. Yes. Copyright 2019 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, Frequently Asked Questions about Jury Duty. St. Clair-Ashville: All Divisions St. Clair County Courthouse 100 6th Avenue, Courthouse Square, Suite 400 Ashville, AL 35953 (205) 594-2184 St. Clair-Pell City: All Divisions District Court of St. Clair 1815 Cogswell Ave., Suite 217 Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-2511 Sumter County: All Divisions Additional legal information and forms are available at www.alacourt.gov. What time do I have to arrive at the Courthouse on Monday? endobj Next, the defendants attorney may cross-examine the witness to disclose facts favoring the defendant; the defendants attorney may demonstrate there is reason to doubt the testimony given by the witness on direct examination. Certificat d'achvement du Programme de sensibilisation l'gard du plaideur l'chelon de l'tat. This process is called "voir dire", a phrase meaning "to speak the truth". This is called "challenging a juror". 11 0 obj Please allow extra time for parking and going through the metal detector. Justice ultimately depends in large measure on the jurors who serve in our courts. Selection of a foreman is the jurys first duty. Thank you for serving! Can my employer deduct my juror pay from my pay check? SmokingState law prohibits smoking in all parts of the Courthouse. Can I be excused from or postpone service? Badges should be worn in plain view at all times (including lunch) during jury service. ARAP-04. ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS Home Family Court Interpreters Municipal Courts Specialty Courts Guardianship/Conservatorship Commission Alabama Judicial Circuits Map Quick Links Alabama's Judicial Circuits Click on a county on the map to view county-specific information. Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. The following is a description of their roles: Usually, others indirectly involved provide essential services but are not active trial participants: The opening statements are made at the beginning of the trial and outline the facts expected to be presented to the jury. 9/1/2021. Let us know in a single click. Jury Duty 101 is a free public resource site, and is not affiliated with the United States government or any Government agency. The "defendant" is the party being sued. In a civil trial, the jury decides all questions of fact and determines whether the plaintiff has a valid complaint and should be awarded the relief requested. However, after the trial has concluded, a juror may discuss the case with anyone, but the juror is not obligated to do so. If you believe you have a good reason to be excused from jury service, notify the court in advance. In the state of Alabama, volunteer firefighters are exempt from jury duty. PS-03. The following is a description of their roles: If there are other terms or phrases which you hear while serving as a juror that you do not understand, ask the judge to explain the term or phrase to you. In Alabama, jurors are not "paid" for their service, however, jurors are given an expense allowance of $10.00 per day and $.05 per mile for each day's round trip mileage (Please Note: the state only allows for one trip to the courthouse and the trip home each day.) The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. As a summoned juror, you are entitled to an expense and mileage allowance regardless of whether you actually served on a jury that particular day. On occasion, it is necessary to sequester or isolate a jury from contact with the public during the course of the trial. Usually, others indirectly involved provide essential services but are not active trial participants. 5 0 obj The grand jury does not determine the accuseds guilt or innocence. The court attendant (also known as a "bailiff") maintains courtroom order and assists jurors. You may telephone a relative or friend to bring personal necessities. They are considered contraband and could lead to your arrest. However, if allowed, juror may not use his/her own notes to sway other jurors. It must be received in our office prior to your reporting date. endstream If you are selected to serve on a jury the first day, then you will follow the judges instructions until that case is over. In Alabama, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty. While jury duty is a civic requirement for all eligible citizens in Alabama, there are a number of excuses that can be used to legally get out of being required to report for jury selection or jury duty, or receive a deferral. St. Clair County Courthouse | 100 6th Avenue North, Ste. Click the above map. All requests to be excused from serving must be made in writing. You must apply the law given by the judge to the facts given during the trial to make a decision in a case. Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. Identity thieves in other parts of the country have called residents and threatened them for failing to report for jury service. Be careful what information you reveal over the phone. The Circuit Clerk will go over what you can expect to experience during your time of jury service. 400 | Ashville, AL 35953 Phone: (205) 594-2184 , Pell City - (205) 338-2511 | Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, M-F Need Directions? Alabama Judicial System Voir DireAfter you have reported for jury duty, you will be selected for a jury panel along with other jurors. Do you have a comment or correction concerning this page? If I work outside the state of Alabama and I am summoned as a juror in the county where I reside in the state of Alabama, am I entitled to my usual compensation from my employer? If you are not selected for the first trial, the Judge will tell you when you need to return. Please take your personal belongings with you during lunch, break, etc. No. JURORS: Please review the Juror FAQ to find answers to questions about how the Mobile County courts intend to handle jury assembly and trials during the Covid-19 pandemic. 13 0 obj Have several alternate dates selected when you make your request. Please pay attention to your Panel Number, Time, and the Comments down below For any additional questions or concerns please call 334-832-2531. The Supreme Court of Alabama launched a website for Alabama's Unified Judicial System. A felony is a crime punishable by at least one year and one day in the penitentiary and may also include a fine. The parties in a civil trial are the plaintiff and the defendant; in a criminal trial, they are the state, represented by the district attorney or prosecutor, and the defendant. As a citizen of St. Clair County, you have been chosen to serve in the role of juror. A prospective juror must present the summons for jury duty to his/her employer to be excused from work for the days (s)he is required to serve. 3/31/2005. . For each required service day, you are entitled to be paid by the circuit clerk or court administrator an expense allowance of $10.00 plus a mileage allowance of $.05 for each mile traveled in going to and returning from court to your residence. No. Identification BadgesJurors will be issued Juror badges if selected for the trial. Juror Responsibilities Jury Duty FAQ Legal and Judicial Terms Sequence of Trial Events Trial Participants On behalf of the Honorable Greg Nicholas, Presiding Circuit Judge, Honorable Martha E. Williams, Circuit Judge and Lisa McSwain, Circuit Clerk, thank you for your willingness to serve as a juror! We read every comment! Can my employer require me to use annual, vacation or sick leave for jury service? Sometimes the plaintiff may ask for damages in addition to the compensatory damages, in order to punish the defendant and to prevent the defendant from doing the same act again.