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FAQs

  • How was I selected?

    Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 1861, all litigants "have the right to grand and petit jurors selected at random from a fair cross section of the community." The court uses a two-step process to select jurors. First, a master jury wheel is created by selecting names at random from the Registered Voters List for the State of West Virginia. Then, names are randomly drawn periodically from the master jury wheel to receive juror qualification questionnaires. Individuals' answers to these questionnaires determine whether they are legally qualified to serve. If so, the names of those persons are put on a second wheel, a qualified jury wheel. As prospective jurors are needed for a specific trial or grand jury, juror summonses are sent to persons randomly selected from the qualified wheel. All of these selections are carried out through a properly programmed electronic data processing system for pure randomized selection. The pure randomized process ensures that the mathematical odds of any single name being picked are substantially equal.

    If you have been randomly selected to serve as a prospective juror for the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, you will receive a Summons for Jury Service for service on a Petit Jury or a Grand Jury Panel.

    This federal court may summon citizens for jury service who live in the four divisions composed of the following twenty-three counties:

    Charleston Division: Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, Mingo, Clay, Jackson, Lincoln, Nicholas, Roane, Wirt and Wood Counties
    Bluefield Division: Mercer, McDowell, and Monroe Counties
    Beckley Division: Greenbrier, Raleigh, Summers and Wyoming Counties
    Huntington Division: Cabell, Mason, Putnam and Wayne Counties

    If you have moved, please provide your new address so that further action may be taken.

  • Can I be excused?

    Jurors perform a vital role in our judicial system. The United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in both criminal and civil cases. Your participation makes this possible. If, however, you would like to request to be excused from jury service, you must place your request in writing. Do not call requesting to be excused.

    Excuses may either be temporary or permanent and are granted on a limited basis. Submit your request prior to the start of your "on call" term.

    Individuals that may be excused when requested in writing:

    • Those over 70 years of age;
    • Those who have served on a Federal grand or Federal petit jury within the last two years;
    • Volunteer safety personnel;
    • Active military personnel;
    • Full-time students (with proof of enrollment and current class schedule); or
    • Those with good cause due to mental or physical infirmity (these requests must be supported by current, detailed medical or legal documentation).

    Please notify the Court of any prepaid travel plans, including dates and documentation, prior to start of your “on call” term.

    Most employment hardship requests are denied, and the Court does not accept letters from employers. Excuse requests must be submitted by you, the actual juror. A juror should not assume an excuse request will be granted.

  • Dress Code and Courtroom Etiquette

    Dress Code

    When entering a courtroom, your attire should be respectful to the litigants, their counsel, and the Court; therefore, business attire is suggested. In addition, hats should not be worn unless for religious purposes. The temperature in the courtrooms is usually cool, so you may want to bring a sweater or light jacket. Finally, you must pass through a metal detector each time you enter the courthouse. Please keep this in mind as you choose your clothing and your shoes. Excess metal and jewelry may slow the screening process and delay your admittance to the building.

    Juror Conduct and Courtroom Etiquette

    Jurors should be punctual, appropriately dressed, and prepared to proceed through the security checkpoint. Please allow adequate travel time to the courthouse. A court proceeding begins when the judge takes his or her place on the bench, and the court official announces the opening of court. After the proceedings commence, jurors and individuals seated in the gallery should be attentive and quiet.

    Jurors should have no conversations with spectators at any point during the trial and should promptly report to court personnel any attempts by outsiders to approach them. Even after the conclusion of the trial, no one should approach jurors about their service in a specific case.

    The Clerk’s Office and the Court will extend every consideration to jurors, striving to ensure their comfort and convenience whenever possible. Jurors should bring any matter affecting their service, including personal emergencies, to the attention of the judge. Any court officer will assist jurors and keep the judge informed of their questions and concerns.

  • Terms of Service

    Petit Jury Pools

    On a quarterly basis (ex. January 1 – March 31), prospective jurors are summoned, at random, from the qualified jury wheel. Those summonsed are “on call” for the specified three-month period and may be selected to report for service if a trial arises during that period. Those chosen to report receive a Notice to Appear for Petit Jury Service with a specific reporting date and time. Those “on call” are not required to report until they receive a Notice to Appear or a call from the jury department detailing a specific date and time to appear. Federal law requires those summoned to be available to report at any time during the three-month term.

    Grand Jury Pools

    Grand Jurors generally serve one to two days per once a month for an 18-month term of service after being selected. The Grand Jury term may be extended, if necessary, by Court Order. Those selected as grand jurors are provided a calendar of scheduled grand jury sessions.

  • Inclement Weather

    If inclement weather coincides with your jury reporting date, please call the Jury Reporting line at 1-800-427-1153, to verify your reporting date and time. You must enter your nine-digit juror participant number to access your message on the Jury Reporting line. Additionally, an automated call and email will be sent out notifying you of any schedule changes. As a reminder, you should ALWAYS call the Jury Reporting line after 5:00 p.m. the evening prior to your reporting date for further instructions or updates.

  • Non-Weather Emergencies

    If You Become Ill or Have an Emergency After Receiving a Notice to Appear - Because your absence could delay a trial, notify the United States District Court Clerk's Office immediately for further instructions, and be prepared to provide appropriate documentation.

    Charleston Clerk's Office - (304) 347-3000
    Beckley Clerk's Office - (304) 253-7481
    Bluefield Clerk's Office - (304) 327-9798
    Huntington Clerk's Office - (304) 529-5588