Jury Duty
The Jury Commissioners are responsible for the selection of the Jurors used by the Twenty-Sixth Judicial Court in Bossier Parish.
The members of the Jury Commission Board are Marjorie France, Terry Perdue, Jane Smith and Jill M. Sessions, Clerk of Court.
For civil matters, jurors are subpoenaed for each civil judge's jury week. The costs associated for empanelling a Jury are prorated amongst the cases scheduled to go to trial for that week, thus reducing the cost to each scheduled trial. If there is only one jury trial scheduled for that week, the cost must be paid in full by the party responsible for calling the trial. All prospective jurors are randomly pulled by a computer system designed just for that purpose.
Jury Duty Pay
If you are subpoenaed as a juror for petit or grand jury, you will receive $25.00 per day plus mileage based on $0.76 per mile. If you are subpoenaed as a juror for civil jury, you will receive $50.00 per day plus mileage based on $0.625 per mile. Mileage is based upon travel to and from their residence.
| Jury Type | Daily Rate | Mileage |
|---|---|---|
| Petit / Grand Jury | $25.00 | $0.16 per mile |
| Civil Jury | $50.00 | $0.625 per mile |
Mileage is based upon travel to and from their residence.
Petit and Grand jury are handled a little differently than that of civil.
Petit
- These juries are picked on an as need basis. These Jurors are also randomly selected by the computer system.
- Jurors are paid by the Bossier Parish Police Jury for all petit cases. Their rate of pay is the same as above.
Grand
- These jurors are picked twice a year and serve 6 month terms. They are selected in the months of January and July.
- Jurors are paid by the Bossier Parish Police Jury. Their rate of pay is also the same as above. These jurors serve on an as-need basis.
The perspective jurors are usually seated in Police Jury Room on the first floor of the courthouse. No smoking is permitted in the Courthouse, but smoking areas are permitted at the west entrance to the Courthouse.
Jury Duty Qualifications
There are five qualifications that a potential juror must meet in order to serve on a jury. They are as follows:
-
1
Be a citizen of the United States and of Louisiana who has resided in Bossier Parish for at least one year immediately preceding your jury service.
-
2
Be at least 18 years of age.
-
3
Be able to read, write, speak the English language and, possess sufficient knowledge of the language.
-
4
Not be under interdiction or incapable of serving as a juror because of a mental or physical infirmity. (A written medical excuse from your doctor is required)
-
5
Not be under indictment, incarcerated under an order of imprisonment, or on probation or parole for a felony case within the five-year period immediately proceeding the persons jury service.
If you do not meet these qualifications, please call the Judges Office at (318) 965-2217 immediately. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, except legal holidays.
Jury Duty Exemptions
Along with qualifications, there are two exemptions which may be claimed. You may claim an exemption if:
- You have performed Jury Service in the Twenty-Sixth Judicial Court within the last two years of your reporting date.
- Seventy years of age and older.
If you wish to claim one of these two exemptions, you must send a letter to the appropriate Judge as indicated on your subpoena explaining your circumstances. Include you address and a daytime phone number. The court will make a decision on your claim of exemption and will notify you. A juror receives a daily payment of $25.00 for service plus mileage. Payment is mailed to you via first class mail after service.
Need more information?
For more information about Jury Duty, please call the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court Office (318) 965-2336.