What are the two types of jury duty?
Asked by: Mr. Khalil Bode Jr. | Last update: June 1, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (12 votes)
The two main types of jury duty involve different juries for different functions: Petit Juries, also called trial juries, which decide the outcome of criminal or civil cases by hearing evidence and delivering a verdict, and Grand Juries, which review evidence in criminal matters to determine if there's enough probable cause for formal charges (an indictment) to be filed, without deciding guilt or innocence.
What's the difference between federal and regular jury duty?
Federal jury duty involves cases of federal law and disputes between states, drawing from a wider district, paying $50/day plus mileage, and offering stronger employer protection, while "regular" (state) jury duty handles state/local laws, draws from a single county, pays varying amounts, and has different employer rules, with federal jurors often serving on petit (trial) or grand juries for 3-6 days or longer, respectively. Both are critical civic duties, but federal service is distinct in scope, compensation, and protections.
What disqualifies you from jury duty in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, specific exemptions exist for those 80 or older, volunteer safety workers (firefighters, rescue), and people with recent jury service, but generally, occupation (doctors, teachers, etc.) isn't an automatic excuse, though you can request to be excused by a judge for health issues, family hardship, or undue inconvenience, often requiring documentation. Only a judge can grant an excuse, and you must ask as soon as you know of a conflict.
What's the difference between grand jury and petit?
The petit jury listens to evidence offered during a trial and returns a verdict. A verdict in a civil case may be a finding for the plaintiff or for the defendant. A verdict in a criminal case finds the defendant guilty or not guilty. Grand Jury: A grand jury hears only criminal matters.
Why do some cases go to a grand jury?
A case goes to a grand jury to determine if there's enough evidence (probable cause) for a prosecutor to formally charge someone with a serious crime, acting as a citizen-led check on government power to prevent unfounded prosecutions, especially for federal felonies as required by the Fifth Amendment. The grand jury doesn't decide guilt, but rather issues an indictment (a "true bill") if evidence is sufficient, allowing the case to proceed to trial, or a "no bill" if not.
Two Types of Juries in a Criminal Case
How large is a normal petit or trial jury?
Petit juries are comprised of 6-12 people. Trials are generally public, but jury deliberations are private. Petit juries render a verdict, of guilty/not guilty in a criminal case, or in favor of a defendant or plaintiff in a civil case.
What is the best excuse to avoid jury duty?
The best ways to get out of jury duty involve claiming legitimate exemptions (like being over 70, a primary caregiver, or a student) or demonstrating undue hardship (serious medical issues, financial strain, or prior jury service), usually by contacting the court with supporting documentation like a doctor's note or employer letter, or by being honest about biases during voir dire (jury selection) so attorneys strike you; however, making extreme false statements can backfire, and the court always makes the final decision.
How often can you be called for jury duty in Arkansas?
Depending upon when your name was drawn in the current jury wheel, you could be summoned again in as little as a month or as long as two years.
Is it rare to be picked for jury duty?
Yes, being picked for an actual jury is relatively rare, even if you get a summons, as many people are disqualified, excused, or don't show up; statistics suggest fewer than 5% of those summoned actually end up on a jury, with most jury duty experiences involving reporting but not being selected for a specific trial, a process called "deselection".
Is jury duty ever just one day?
Yes, jury duty can absolutely last just one day, especially under the common "one day/one trial" system where your service ends if you're not selected for a case that day, or after that single trial concludes if you are. If you report and aren't chosen for a trial, your obligation is fulfilled for that year; if selected, you serve the trial's length (often a few days to a week), but the initial appearance is often just one day of waiting or selection.
Can you say no to jury duty in the USA?
No, you generally cannot simply refuse jury duty in the USA as it's a legal civic duty, but you can request an excuse or deferral for reasons like undue hardship, medical issues, or specific caregiving responsibilities, which courts decide on an individual basis, requiring documentation and a formal request to avoid penalties like fines or jail time for failure to appear.
Why don't you get paid more for jury duty?
Jury duty pays so little because it's considered a civic duty, not a job, with stipends meant to cover minor expenses like gas and lunch, not replace lost wages, leading to financial hardship for low-income individuals and less diverse juries, prompting some states to try and improve compensation. Employers aren't always required to pay, making participation difficult for those without savings or flexible jobs, highlighting a conflict between democratic participation and economic reality, as seen with federal jurors earning $50 daily while some states pay much less.
Is grand jury duty stressful?
It is not unusual for jurors to report sleeplessness, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or the feeling that images from the trial replay in their minds. In some cases, the fallout mirrors the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
What not to say during jury duty?
At jury duty, avoid saying you can't be fair, expressing extreme biases (like always opposing the death penalty), lying (perjury), making sarcastic comments, or revealing case knowledge, as these can get you dismissed or face penalties; instead, be honest about valid hardships like health issues or caregiving, but don't exaggerate or try to manipulate the process, as judges see through it.
Is it okay to wear jeans as a juror?
Yes, you can often wear jeans to jury duty if they are clean, well-fitting, and free of holes or rips, as many courts consider nice jeans acceptable as part of "business casual" attire, but it's best to check your specific court's guidelines, as some federal or local courts prohibit them in favor of stricter business attire to show respect for the court. Always avoid overly casual clothing like shorts, tank tops, or gym wear, and bring layers for varying courtroom temperatures.
What makes you look bad in court?
Dress Like You Are Going to Church
No low necklines, shorts, stiletto heels, tight jeans (actually, avoid jeans altogether), or sleeveless shirts. If you are wearing a button-up shirt, make sure it is fully buttoned and wear an undershirt or, if it is cool out, a sweater.
Who would most likely be dismissed as a juror?
People most likely to be dismissed from jury duty are those with hardships (financial, medical, family caregiving), legal disqualifications (non-citizen, felon, non-English speaker), or those who show clear bias or inability to be impartial during questioning, often related to personal experiences with the justice system or specific case types. Lawyers use strikes to remove jurors who seem to favor one side or can't follow the law, while courts excuse others for significant burdens like being a primary caregiver or elderly.
How to answer a juror questionnaire?
Juror Questionnaire
- Less is more. A prospective juror questionnaire may have quite a bit of blank space, implying that open-ended questions must be answered with a lengthy response. ...
- Answer ONLY the question that is asked—do NOT include in your answer things that were not asked for. ...
- Avoid extremes when possible.
What are the odds of getting picked for jury duty?
The odds of being selected for jury duty vary, but generally, about 15% of U.S. adults get summoned annually, though only a fraction (around 36% of those summoned in one study) actually appear in court, and a much smaller percentage (roughly 5-10%) ends up as a sworn juror for a trial, as many are excused or deferred, with final selection depending heavily on case needs and individual disqualifications/excuses during voir dire.
What happens if I fall asleep during jury duty?
If you fall asleep during jury duty, a court officer or the judge will likely wake you up, and you could be dismissed from the jury for inattentiveness, potentially leading to a mistrial if you miss crucial evidence, though minor dozing might just result in a warning, while repeated sleeping is grounds for removal and requires a judge to decide if the trial fairness was compromised.
Can I tell people I'm on a grand jury?
You and your colleagues on the jury have met the qualifications to be a juror and are the only people selected to decide the case. If you are a grand juror, there is a third principle – you must observe grand jury secrecy and keep secret everything that happens when the grand jury meets.