Jury Duty

Questionnaires

Jury questionnaires are sent out to qualify individuals within the county to serve on Jury Duty.  Jefferson County sends out notices two times a year and the service period is six months. January 1 through June 30 and July 1 through December 31. During that six months you will need to watch for a summons. 

If you are not a resident of Jefferson County you must show proof of non-residency. Disqualification cannot be granted until you show proof that you are no longer a resident of Jefferson County. Please send a copy of your driver’s license or voter’s registration with your name and address along with your questionnaire. 

Summons

Summons are sent out when you have been qualified and your name has been placed on a docket. The summons will have the date of the trial as well as the date you need to call 208-745-7736 after 6:00 pm to see if the trial is still scheduled. If you have a conflict please contact the court office. 

Reporting to Jury Duty

Jury Duty is a a civic obligation. Rest assured that everything possible will be done to make your service interesting and educational. 

  • Please dress respectable to the courts. Hats are not allowed in court. Do not bring children.
  • You may be required to pass through security. Knives, sharp pointed objects, etc., are not allowed. 
  • You will be instructed on which courtroom to go to. There will be a sign in sheet that you will need to sign before entering the courtroom.
  • You will be required to watch a video provided by the Supreme Court.
  • Keep all personal belongings with you. Do not leave any items in the area that you are seated, as you may not be returning to this location.

Courtroom Procedures

No food or drinks are allowed in the Courtrooms. If you have a medical condition that requires a snack, break, etc. please advise the Jury Commissioner or Bailiff. They will arrange for you to take a break or provide what you need. If you have hearing difficulties please let us know as we have hearing assistance devices that we can get for you.

Cell phones need to be turned off the entire time you are in the Courtroom. You are not allowed to text, look at Facebook, Twitter, etc. during your entire jury process. Your phones need to be turned off completely. If your cell phone goes off, it may be confiscated if so ordered by the Judge. We will instruct you on when to turn you phones off once the process begins.

Do not talk to anyone in the hallways of the Courthouse. Many witnesses and litigants are sitting in the hallways; any conversation could cause a mistrial. Please just tell people that you are there as a juror and you are not allowed to talk to them.

Once the Jury Selection begins you are not allowed to leave the Courtroom. It is very important to both parties that you hear all the questions asked. If you have an emergency and need to leave the room, you will need to let the Jury Commissioner or Bailiff know and they will have to ask the Judge for a break.

Payment

Jefferson County pays $10 for a half day and $20 for a full day plus mileage to and from courthouse. Payments are sent once the trial has concluded usually within two weeks.