Frequently Asked Questions and Items of Interest

How was I selected for jury service?

Jurors are selected by computer randomization of names from a minimum of two government records including, but not limited to, personal property tax list, voters registration list, and driver’s license records.  

What constitutes jury service?

There are two ways to complete jury service.  The first is to appear in person and serve until you are released, regardless of whether or not you were selected as a juror for a case.  The second is to be summoned and have your service cancelled by the Court.  To find out if your current service has been canceled call the automated message line (417-625-4362) after 5:00 p.m. the evening before your report date.

How long should I expect to serve on jury duty?

On the day you are to report, please plan on being at the courthouse the entire day, occasionally after 5:00 p.m.  The jury selection process is usually completed in one day but may take longer in some cases.  Most jurors go through only one selection process and those not selected for the jury panel are released at the end of the selection.  If you are selected as a juror in a case the average length of a trial is about 3 days.  During the selection process you will be told how long the particular case you are being considered for is expected to last.    

Where and when do I report?

Your summons will indicate whether you are to report to the Courts Building in Joplin or the Courthouse in Carthage. The summons will also indicate specific instructions regarding the location of jury service. To verify your report date and time call the automated message line (417-625-4362) after 5:00 p.m. the evening before your scheduled report date.  Report time is typically 8:30 a.m.

What happens if I fail to appear for jury service?

A person who willfully fails to appear for jury service is in civil contempt of court.  The Court may issue an order directing the person to a hearing where the person would be required to show good cause for failure to appear as summoned.  If the individual fails to show good cause for failing to appear, the Court may impose a fine for as much as $500 and may order the prospective juror to perform community service for a time no less than would have been spent in jury service.  The juror is also re-summoned for jury service.

Where do I park?

The New Courts Building’s parking lot is now open for the public to park. There are limited spaces as of now. Once the old building is demolished there will be more parking available. Parking is available around the Courthouse square in Carthage. Please allow ample time for parking.  

How should I dress for jury service?

Appropriate dress is required.  Think business casual.   Jeans are allowed but shorts, tank tops, and tee-shirts are not considered appropriate.  Hats are not allowed in the courtroom. Temperatures in the building vary and it is recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket with you.

Cell phones, laptops and electronic equipment: are they allowed?

Yes, cell phones are allowed to be brought into the courthouses for Jurors. You will be asked to leave all belongings in the Secured Jury Assembly Room.  Laptops and other electronic devices are not allowed.

What if there is an emergency and someone needs to contact me?

If someone needs to contact a juror in an emergency, they may call the jury office 417-625-2751.  They may also contact the trial division in which the juror is serving.

Will the Court pay me for jury service?

If you appear for jury selection, you will receive $14 per day. If you are selected as a Juror your pay will be $18.00 per day. If you have to travel outside of your community there is mileage added to that amount. You will receive a Mastercard debit card the first day of trial. It usually takes about a week to load the money on the cards due to the process with the County. If you have provided your Cell Phone number and/or Email address on your Juror Questionnaire, you will receive a text and/or email when the funds have been loaded.

Will my employer pay me while I am on jury duty?

The law does not require an employer to pay regular wages while an employee is serving on jury duty however some employers do.  We suggest you ask your employer for their jury service policy.

Can my employer penalize me for reporting to jury duty?

No, Missouri Revised Statute 494.460 prohibits an employer from taking adverse actions against an employee because that employee received or responded to a jury summons.  In addition, an employee may not be required to use available leave for time spent responding to a jury summons, time spent participating in the jury selection process, or time spent actually serving on a jury.  

I completed jury service within the last 24 months; do I need to serve again?

No.  If you completed Jasper County jury service in the last 24 months you are entitled to be excused.  Log into Juror Portal website at www.courts.mo.gov/jurorportal, complete the qualification form and questionnaire, and select Excuse Code “Served within Last 24 Months.”  If you served under a different name or different address please enter that information.  If you would like to serve again you are free to do so by not selecting the Excuse option.

I received a jury summons for someone who doesn’t live at my address.  What should I do?

Please write “Not At This Address” on the summons envelope and return it to us by placing it in the mail.    

I received a jury summons for a deceased family member.  What should I do?

Log onto the Show-Me Jury Juror Portal website at www.courts.mo.gov/jurorportal.  Using the nine digit ID on the summons log into the qualification form and affirm that the summoned individual is deceased.

Is there an age limit?

You must be 21 years of age to serve as a juror and Missouri does not have a maximum age limit for jury service. You may request to be excused if you are over 75 years of age.  

I don’t live in Jasper County do I still have to appear for jury service?

Only current residents of Jasper County are eligible for jury service.  If you do not live in Jasper County log into Show-Me Jury Juror Portal at www.courts.mo.gov/jurorportal, complete the qualification form and questionnaire, being sure to update your name and address information.  If you enter an email address or cell phone number we will notify you of your disqualification.  DO NOT appear for jury service.

I am a medical professional must I report for jury service?

Any person licensed as a health care provider as such term is defined in Missouri Revised Statute 538.205, may be excused, but only if such person provides a written statement to the Court certifying that he/she is actually providing health care services to patients, and that the person’s service as a juror would be detrimental to the health of the person’s patients. Use the Show-Me Jury Juror Portal website at www.courts.mo.gov/jurorportal to notify the jury office of your status.

Reporting for jury service would cause a financial hardship for me, my family, or my business.  Can I be excused?

Because of the importance of assuring that individuals from throughout the community participate in the jury process, the Court generally does not excuse individuals based on financial hardship at the initial summons stage of the process.  Instead, hardships are discussed during jury selection for a trial.  If you believe your circumstances fall within the provisions contained in Missouri Revised Statute 494.430 you need to request an excuse on the Show-Me Jury Juror Portal website at www.courts.mo.gov/jurorportal.  Be specific and provide information such as business name and type, financial, medical, and/or other proof regarding your hardship.  If postponing your service to a later date would help you to be able to make arrangement you have the right to a one time postponement.  For further information on postponements please see below.

I am a nursing mother.  Can I be excused?  

Any nursing mother, upon her request, and with a completed written statement from her physician to the court certifying she is a nursing mother will be excused.  

I am a stay-at-home parent with children that are not yet in school or the caregiver to a disabled person.  Can I be excused?

The Court generally does not excuse individuals based physical on financial hardship at the initial summons stage of the process.  Instead, hardships are discussed during jury selection for a trial.  If you believe your circumstances fall within the provisions contained in Missouri Revised Statute 494.430 you may request an excuse in writing on the Juror Qualification Form.  Be specific and provide information such as financial, medical, and/or other proof regarding your hardship. 

Is childcare provided?

No, the Court does not provide childcare services.  Please DO NOT bring your child(ren) when reporting for jury service.  Arrangements for the care of your child(ren) should be made prior to reporting for jury service.  

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is not provided. You may bring your own lunch if you wish, or you may purchase lunch from one of several restaurants located within easy driving distance of the courthouses.  If you choose to bring your lunch DO NOT bring metal cutlery as it will be confiscated by security personnel..