Juror Information

Trial by jury is a fundamental principle of our system of justice. The United States Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status the right to trial by an impartial jury of one’s peers. We need those summoned to participate in the jury process to ensure every citizen’s right to have their case decided by an impartial jury selected from a representative pool of prospective jurors.

• Petit Juror
  • Term of service is a 3-month period. A random drawing determines which jurors are summoned.
  • If you are selected for a trial, you will receive a phone call with detailed information on what to expect next from the Circuit Clerk’s office.
  • For a complete guide to Petit Juror instructions please visit the Illinois Courts website here.
  • Petit Juror Handbook
• Grand Juror
  • Term of service is 6-month period. A random drawing determines which jurors are summoned for grand jury service.
  • The State Attorney’s office will contact you on when to appear if you are needed.
  • For a complete guide to Grand Juror instructions please visit the Illinois Courts website here.
• Coroner Juror
  • Term of service is a 6-month period. A random drawing determines which jurors are summoned for coroner jury service.
  • The Coroner will contact you on when to appear if you are needed.

FAQs

• I am not a resident of Christian County or a citizen of the United States, may I serve?
  • You must be a Christian County resident to serve as a juror in Christian County. The law automatically disqualifies residents that are non-citizens.
• I received a questionnaire for a deceased family member
  • Please return the questionnaire in the self-addressed stamped envelope and we will remove them from our list.
• Is jury service mandatory?
  • The United States Constitution and the Illinois State Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury. Failure to respond to a jury summons may subject you to penalties provided by law. All Christian County residents are obligated by state law to service as a juror unless they are:
    • Not a United States citizen
    • Not a resident of Christian County, Illinois
    • Not 18 years of age or older
• Does my employer have the right to terminate or penalize me for performing my American right as a juror?
  • Illinois law prohibits an employer from terminating or otherwise penalizing an employee because the employee serves as a juror.
• I have vacation plans that fall during the jury term / I am scheduled to have surgery during the jury term / my employer is mandating that I attend a conference during the jury term / I am a farmer and will be busy in the field / I will be living in another state during the term of this jury service / I have a doctor’s appointment on one of the days that I am scheduled to serve for jury duty.
  • You must complete the enclosed questionnaire and indicate on the questionnaire your situation with the time parameters that you have a conflict.  Once we have received your questionnaire, we will forward to the Judge for review. The Judge is the only one that can excuse you. Once your questionnaire has been reviewed, we will contact you letting you know the Judge’s decision.
• What is the proper dress attire for jury service?
  • Jurors should dress comfortably, but properly for a courtroom.