St. Mary Parish Clerk of Court

Jury Duty

Jury Duty

Qualifications

Louisiana law provides that certain qualifications must be met in order for a person to be eligible to serve on a jury. These requirements are that a prospective juror:

  • Must be a citizen of the United States and Louisiana, and must have resided in St. Mary Parish for at least one year before service
  • Must be at least eighteen years of age
  • Must be able to read, write and speak the English language
If you do not meet all of these requirements, indicate that on the questionnaire in the area that asks why you should not have to appear for jury service, include proof of your ineligibility, and return it to the Sheriff’s Office in the return envelope.
 

Exemptions

Effective April 28, 1994, the Louisiana Supreme Court has amended its rules so as to effectively eliminate all group and occupational exemptions from jury service. Persons who may claim an exemption from jury service are: 1) Persons who have served on a jury within the last two years; 2) Persons who are 70 years of age or older. If you are in either of these categories, you may claim an exemption from jury service; however, if you wish to serve, you may do so. If you do elect to claim one of these exemptions, the Clerk of Court will assist you in presenting the necessary proof.

Jury Service

Once you have been selected for jury service, you will receive a juror packet in the mail from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff. This will consist of your juror summons, an instruction sheet, a questionnaire, and a return envelope. Please complete the questionnaire and return only the completed questionnaire with proof of ineligibility, hardship or travel plans to the Sheriff’s Office in the return envelope.

If you are over 70 years of age and claiming exemption from jury duty, complete the section of the questionnaire under JURY DUTY EXEMPTION and provide verification of date of birth. No further communication from the presiding judge is necessary, as this is an automatic exemption.

If you have a hardship and would like the judge to consider excusing you from jury service, please provide as much information as you can and attach it to the questionnaire form (Examples: letter from your doctor of any medical problems, letter from your employer if there is a hardship with your job or travel arrangement that would coincide with your jury service). The judge is the only person that may grant you an excuse from jury service.

If you are granted an excuse from jury service, the judge’s staff will notify you with a written notice.

You are required to call after 6:00 P. M. the day prior to your jury duty for a recorded message concerning your attendance:  PHONE: (337) 828-4238 OR (337) 828-4100 OPTION 6.   

You must come to Court unless you get a written excuse from the judge or a telephone communication from the judge granting you an excuse. Please update your name and address on your summons and bring it with you to Court. Report to the 6th Floor of the St. Mary Parish Courthouse as instructed on the recorded message. The bailiffs will direct you to the correct courtroom.

NOTICE: 
  • NO CELL PHONES, I-PADS, RECORDING, OR OTHER ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES OR CAMERAS ARE ALLOWED ON COURTROOM FLOOR.
  • PROPER DRESS IS REQUIRED. NO SHORTS OR TANK TOPS. BELTS MUST BE WORN WITH PANTS DESIGNED WITH BELT LOOPS.  DRESS APPROPRIATELY AND IN KEEPING WITH THE DIGNITY OF THE COURT.