§1864 Drawing of Names From the Master Jury Wheel; Completion of Juror Qualification Form

Summary

The clerk or a judge must randomly pick names from the master jury wheel when the court orders it. The clerk or jury commission must post a public notice in the clerk’s office and on the court website that explains how names are drawn. The clerk or jury commission may make an alphabetical list of the names, but that list can only be shared under the district court plan or under sections 1867 or 1868 of this title. When a name is drawn, the clerk or jury commission must mail a juror qualification form with instructions to fill it out, sign it under oath, and mail it back within ten days. If someone cannot fill it out, another person may do it and must say why. If the form has errors or missing information, it will be sent back to be corrected and returned within ten days. People who do not return a completed form may be called in to fill it out in person. If they come in and complete the form, the court may pay them the same fees and travel money given to jurors under section 1871, unless their earlier failure was willful. At the time of jury service a person may have to fill out or correct a form in front of the clerk, jury commission, or court and may be asked questions only about what is on the form. The clerk or jury commission may note information and send it to the chief judge or another judge as the plan allows. Anyone who is called in under these rules and does not show up must be ordered to appear and explain why. A person who fails to appear or who willfully lies on a juror qualification form to avoid or get jury service can be fined up to $1,000, jailed up to three days, ordered to do community service, or any combination of those penalties.