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Federal Juries: Who May Serve?
Federal law calls for the random selection of citizens’ names from voter lists or combined voter and drivers lists for service on juries.
Some citizens, however, are legally disqualified from jury service. Individuals are disqualified if
- they are not yet 18 years old, or have not yet resided for one year within the judicial district.
- they are unable to read, write and understand English well enough to fill out a qualification form.
- they are unable to speak English.
- they have a mental or physical infirmity that renders them incapable for jury service.
- they have a felony charge pending against them, or have been convicted of a felony and their civil rights have not been restored.
Federal law (the Jury Act is set out at Title 28, U.S. Code, Sections 1861-1879) also lists three groups that are exempt from federal jury service.
- Members of the armed forces on active duty. Members of professional fire and police departments.
- “Public officers” of federal, state or local governments actively engaged in the performance of public duties.
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