Judicial system facts #1-Jury Service
by Frie, Arndt & DanbornJury Service
“Why do I receive [jury] summonses year after year, when other people don’t?
Since the summons process is random, there is no easy explanation to this question. Each name goes into the system with a different random number attached to it each year. In some counties with small populations, almost every qualified citizen will be called for jury service each year due to the number of jury trials requested. However, to help alleviate this situation, a new system was put into place in 2001 whereby an individual who receives a summons in one year will have a lower priority to be called the next year.
What if I have other commitments for the date I’m supposed to appear, how can I obtain a postponement for the jury summons I received?
You have the right to one postponement. You can request a postponement by either completing the postponement section of your paper summons or by completing the postponement request online through your county’s homepage. (Click on Jury using the tabs above to find your county’s homepage).
What are the legal qualifications for jury service
-You are 18 years of age or older.
-You reside or live at least 50% of the time in the county or municipality from which you have been summoned, whether or not you are registered to vote.
-You are a Citizen of the United States.
-You can read, speak, and understand the English language.
-You have not been selected and served as an impaneled juror in any court within the preceding twelve months, nor have you been scheduled for juror service within the next twelve months by another court. (Any person claiming this disqualification shall submit proof from the appropriate authority verifying prior or pending service.)
-You do not have sole responsibility for the daily care of a permanently disabled person living in the same household, where your juror service would cause substantial risk of injury to the health of the disabled person. (If you do, you may be required to submit a statement from your doctor or authorized Christian Science practitioner to the jury commissioner as soon as possible after receipt of this summons before you may be disqualified.)
-You do not have a physical or mental disability that would affect your ability to serve as a juror. (If you do, you may be required to submit a statement from your doctor or authorized Christian Science practitioner to the jury commissioner as soon as possible after receipt of your summons before you may be disqualified.)
By law, there are no economic, age-related, or occupational exclusions from jury service.”
This information is provided in full on the Colorado Judicial Branch website at https://www.courts.state.co.us/FAQs/Index.cfm.
