The Council of Superior Court Clerks of Georgia oversees the creation of a master jury list of county residents compiled from licensed drivers, persons with state identification cards, and registered voters. You name was drawn at random from that master list.

Yes. A jury summons is an official court document. Jurors who fail to appear as directed without being excused ahead of time and who fail to attend until duly discharged are subject to possible contempt of court charges. Reach out to jury staff if you have any questions.

Jury service in Chatham County requires you being available to serve for one week, Monday through Friday. You report when your juror number is needed, which may be any day during your week of service. You are reporting for the jury selection process, and in most cases you should find out by the end of the day whether you are chosen as a juror for a trial or not. Although uncommon, you may be required to report more than once during that week. If you are sworn in as a juror for a trial, you must serve until the trial ends. Most of the trials in Chatham County last one to three days. It is rare, although possible, that a trial may run into the following week.

The earliest time you will need to report is 8:00 am, and you need to plan to be at the courthouse all day. Please note that jury service may go past 5:00 pm, so you need to make any necessary arrangements before appearing for jury service.  You will have periodic breaks during which you may keep others informed. While jury service may require some adjustment of your normal schedule and routine, we hope that any inconvenience will be minimal.

Yes. You are allowed to have food and drinks in the Jury Assembly Room. There are vending machines located next to the Jury Assembly Room, and there is a Snack Bar on the 2nd floor where you can purchase breakfast and lunch items. All four floors of the courthouse feature water fountains, each equipped with water bottle refill stations.

During lunch breaks you’ll find plenty of dining options within walking distance of the courthouse.

Yes. You may bring your laptop, cell phone, or something to read to occupy your time while you are waiting. The nature of court proceedings often requires a considerable amount of down time for jurors. Free internet is available in the courthouse; however, signal strength may be weak at times. Please note that once you go to the courtroom, all electronics must be turned off completely.

Scissors, knitting needles, and other sharp-pointed items are prohibited. Only plastic utensils are allowed. Additionally, firearms, knives, and any other weapons are strictly forbidden.  

You should dress comfortably, but in a manner that shows respect for the court. Please use good judgement and dress as you would in an office environment. The courtrooms may be cold, so you may want to bring a sweater or jacket. Dressing in layers is always recommended.

Yes. You will receive $35.00 per day for each day that you report when you are required to report to the courthouse. A debit card will be issued to each juror and will be loaded, activated, and ready to use that day.

You will need to complete your juror questionnaire online before reporting to the courthouse using the eJuror website, as indicated on your jury summons. If there is a problem with the online questionnaire, please call the jury services office ahead of time and we can input the questionnaire with you over the phone.

Upon arrival, check in with the jury staff, who will validate your parking ticket and give you your debit card. You will then receive an orientation on the trial process and the day’s agenda before heading to the courtroom. In most cases, a jury is selected that same day. The trial will begin either that day or the next, depending on the time. The Judge determines when court adjourns. On rare occasions, the jury selection process may extend beyond a single day. If you are not selected, you will remain on call for the rest of the week.

Employers may not penalize employees for reporting to jury service or serving on a trial according to OCGA § 34-1-3. Jurors should notify their employer immediately of their jury service. Jury staff will provide jurors who report and serve with proof of service.

Jury service is open to all. The Jury Assembly Room and the courtrooms are equipped to support individuals with accessibility needs. If you require assistance, please inform the jury staff before your service begins.