How do jurors qualify for jury service?

Posted by Stone River Criminal Defense Team

Last Updated: January 30, 2025

Serving on a jury fulfills a critical role in the American justice system. Jurors ensure that in both criminal and civil cases a fair trial is conducted, and citizens’ due process rights are upheld. When you serve on a jury you will listen to the evidence presented by each side and come to a decision […]
attorney meeting with client at desk

Serving on a jury fulfills a critical role in the American justice system. Jurors ensure that in both criminal and civil cases a fair trial is conducted, and citizens’ due process rights are upheld.

When you serve on a jury you will listen to the evidence presented by each side and come to a decision only after all the evidence has been given. Those who serve on a jury are also carefully selected to ensure that they are capable of being impartial as they hear the evidence, and do not have preexisting biases that would influence their judgement.

What are the eligibility requirements?

In Utah, jurors first become eligible for jury service by having their name selected from driver’s license and voter registration records. Prospective jurors will then need to respond to a questionnaire ensuring they meet minimum requirements relating to age, citizenship, and residency. If you qualify you will be eligible for jury service for a set period of time, during which you may be informed by the court that you are “on call” to serve on a jury during the next week. You may inform your employer that you are on call for jury service, but will not need to take time off or go to the courthouse until instructed to do so.

Communication with the Court regarding jury service is generally done by mail. The Court will never ask for a fine payment over the phone, will never threaten you over the phone with arrest or jail time, and will never have the police contact you regarding a failure to appear for jury service. More information regarding jury service scams can be found on the Utah Court’s website at https://www.utcourts.gov/en/self-help/services/juryroom/juryscam.html.

Originally Published: August 23, 2024

How can we help you?

Call us at 801-448-7451, or use this contact form.

    Related Articles

    Case Brief: State v. Johnson, 2025 UT App 13
    In a significant decision for Utah’s self-defense jurisprudence, the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the murder conviction of Daniel Lee Johnson in...
    February 5, 2025
    The Gray Area of Drug Paraphernalia in Utah
    In Utah, the concept of drug paraphernalia is not as black and white as many might assume. While most people envision glass pipes and syringes when...
    February 4, 2025
    Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in Utah
    In a state where firearm ownership is deeply ingrained in both culture and identity, Utah’s laws aim to strike a balance between Second Amendment...
    February 4, 2025

    Ready to explore our other articles?