Huntingdon County Juror Policies

Policy Statement

The participation of citizens in our system of justice is vital to the efficient and effective administration of justice in Huntingdon County. The Court strives to make jury service a convenient and pleasant experience and to accommodate all jurors within reasonable limits in balancing the interests of the Court and juror.

Every citizen of Huntingdon County who has attained the age of eighteen (18) will be qualified to serve as a juror unless one or more of the following applies:

  • The individual is unable to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
  • The individual is incapable, by reason of mental or physical infirmity, to render efficient jury service. In which case, a medical excuse is needed from a physician.
  • The individual has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and has not been granted a pardon or amnesty.

Persons failing to meet the above eligibility requirements will be disqualified from service as a juror. The Court does not provide exemptions from jury service based upon one’s occupation, profession, or status. In cases of hardship, potential jurors must present their request to a Judge on selection day.

Excusal and Deferral Requests

  • Deferral of jury duty means that the juror is not required to report on the summoned date, but may be summoned later during the year.
  • Reasons for excusal are reviewed and evaluated pursuant to court policy by the Office of Court Administration.
  • Jurors receive a prompt response to all excuse/deferment requests.
  • Jurors who realize that they have a problem serving may request an excusal or deferral from the Office of Court Administration. A medical excuse request must have a doctor’s excuse.

Failure of Jurors to Appear

  • Jurors who fail to report for jury duty and have not been excused or deferred from service are accountable to the Court.
  • A prospective juror who has been summoned to serve as a juror and who fails to appear as summoned shall, unless exempt or excused pursuant to Section 4503, be punishable for contempt of court and may be fined in an amount not exceeding $500.00 or imprisoned for a te1m of no more than ten days or both.

Important Information Concerning Your Appearance Date

  • You must bring your summons with you on your appearance date.
  • No cell phones, pagers, food, drink, or reading material are allowed in the courtroom.
  • You must bring a valid photo I.D. with you on your days of service.

Proper Attire When Reporting For Jury Duty

Jurors should dress appropriately in keeping with courtroom decorum.

Important Information About Security

When you enter the building, you will be required to go through a magnetometer. All briefcases, purses and packages will be X-rayed by Security. Due to security precautions you will be asked to return to your vehicle any items which could be used as a potential weapon. The following types of items are prohibited in the building:

  1. Chemical Sprays
  2. Cameras
  3. Firearms
  4. Large Scissors
  5. Audio Tape Recorders
  6. Video Tape Recorders
  7. Knives

Understanding Your Rights As A Juror

You cannot be discharged by your employer for responding to a juror summons, so long as you provide a copy of your summons to your employer immediately upon receipt.

Work Excuse

Should your employer require a work excuse, one will be given to you on your first day of service.

Length of Service

The jury selection process lasts for one day. If you are not selected you will be excused. If you are selected for a jury you will be notified when to return for jury service and will be provided with an approximate length of time the trial will last.