Welcome to jury service in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Jury service is an important civil and community duty.  Through service on a jury, citizens have a direct hand in the administration of justice.  Jury service is a privilege and responsibility that should be accepted with pride.   The justice system cannot work fairly unless jurors perform their duties properly.

The protection of our rights and liberties is largely achieved through the teamwork of judge and jury who, working together in a common effort, put into practice the principles of our great heritage of freedom.  The judge determines the law to be applied in the case while the jury decides the facts.  Thus, in a very important way, jurors become a part of the court itself.

First, thank you for your service as a juror.  We know that jury service can often place a big burden on you, your family, or your business, farm or employer.  Second, we want your experience with us to be positive.  You will be treated with dignity and respect.  Third, jurors who have completed jury service often tell us that it is a good experience.  If you approach your jury service with the expectation of a positive experience, you are likely to be pleasantly surprised by how much you will learn and the sense of pride in discharging a duty faithfully, honorably, and well.

Again, THANK YOU for your service.