Why did I receive a qualification questionnaire?
Pursuant to 28 U.S. Code Section 1863(b)(4), we are required to replenish the jury wheel or database every four years. Your name was drawn by random method from the voter registration lists. The Eastern District of North Carolina replenishes its jury wheel after every presidential election due to the fact that presidential elections generally produce the largest drives to get people registered to vote. This increases the likelihood that we have a representative sample of jurors from across the district. Your name may have been drawn again even though you have been called for service in our court previously. Each time we draw names, the randomization of names on the voter listings is repeated.
(Top)

What if I refuse to return the questionnaire?
Pursuant to 28 U.S. Code Section 1864, the questionnaire will be returned to you once with further instructions to complete and return the form. If you still refuse to complete the form, you may be summoned to appear in person and at your own expense to complete the form. If you refuse the summons, an order to show cause as to why you should not be held in contempt may be issued. Any person who fails to appear pursuant to such order or who fails to show good cause for not completing the questionnaire may be fined not more than $100.00 and/or held in jail for three (3) days. Any person who willfully makes false statements to avoid or secure service may also be fined or jailed in likewise terms.
(Top)

How will my personal information be safeguarded?
All questionnaires are maintained in locked file cabinets. Two keys for the cabinets exist. The Jury Clerk has one and the other is maintained in the financial vault. Only the Clerk of Court, the Chief Deputy, or the Jury Clerk are allowed to remove the extra key. The extra key must be signed for upon removal and signed in once it is returned. Electronic
records created by the court in relation to jury functions are used only by the court and are not shared with any other agency or government entity. Access to such records is restricted to the Clerk of Court, the Chief Deputy, and the Jury Clerk. These electronic records are password protected along with other computer security measures.
(Top)

Who sees my personal information?
Only the jury clerk and the judge(s). On rare occasion, after a special showing of need to the presiding judge, the attorneys in a particular case may be allowed to review the questionnaires of jurors appearing for that particular trial. In that event, the attorneys are required to review the questionnaires in the presence of either the presiding judge or the jury clerk. No one is allowed to copy any information and the questionnaires are not allowed to leave the room. The plaintiffs and defendants in cases are not allowed to see the questionnaires.
(Top)

What if my address is different from what is shown on the questionnaire?
Write in your correct address next to the old address. Updates will be made upon receipt or your returned questionnaire.
(Top)

Why am I asked for my social security number?
Jury service income must be reported on your tax form. If you earn over $600.00 in a calendar year for jury service, the Clerk’s Office is obligated to report this amount to the IRS. If you earn $600.00 or more in attendance fees in one calendar year, the Clerk’s Office will mail you a 1099 form for tax filing purposes. You should receive your 1099 form by the end of January each year.
(Top)

Why do I need to answer the questions about race and gender?
This question is required solely to avoid discrimination in juror selection and has no influence on qualification for jury service. By answering these questions, you help the
federal court check and observe the juror selection process so that discrimination cannot occur.
(Top)

What if I have received the questionnaire or summons for someone who is deceased or otherwise unable complete the form themselves?
If you receive this questionnaire on behalf of someone who is deceased, simply make a note on the reverse side stating the date of death, your name, and your relationship to the deceased. You may enclose a copy of the death certificate if you have one. Since we only take names from voter registration lists, you may wish to contact the voter registration office in the last county of residence for the decedent to make sure that their name is removed from the voter registration list.

If you receive this questionnaire on behalf of someone who is, for some other reason, unable to complete the form for themselves, you may make an explanation on the reverse. Again, please state your name and your relationship to the intended recipient.
(Top)

What if I receive the questionnaire for someone who is a student or who is expected to be away from North Carolina for some extended time?
You may return the questionnaire with a statement on the back as to the nature of the absence, your name, and your relation to the intended recipient of the questionnaire.
(Top)

Does the questionnaire mean that I have to report for jury service now?
No, the questionnaire is simply a screening tool. You will receive a summons stating a specific reporting time, date, and location if you are actually called for jury duty.
(Top)

Can I ask to be excused now?
The only excuses that will be considered at the questionnaire stage are those related to questions 8, 9, and 10 as well as questions 14(1) and 14(3). Excuses regarding question 14(2) will be handled on an individual basis if and when a person is summoned for jury duty. In regard to question 8, if you are asking for an excuse or postponement of service for less than six months, a doctor’s note is not needed. Simply explain your situation in the remarks section in your own words. Give enough detail so that the judge or clerk can make a reasonably informed decision. For example, a simple statement such as “back pain” will not be sufficient. We can accommodate that type of problem by allowing jurors to bring pillows for sitting or by seating such jurors on the back row so that they may stand or stretch as needed.

If you are asking to be excused or postponed for a period longer than six months, a doctor’s note will be needed. If your condition is long-term or chronic, the doctor’s letter should state this fact. Letters which leave the excuse period non-defined or ill-defined will result in your name being subject to recall after six months.
(Top)

Do I need to complete the form even if I no longer live in the Eastern District of North Carolina?
Yes, completion of the form is mandatory pursuant to 28 U.S. Code Section 1864. Failure to complete the form my result in your being summoned to appear (at your own expense) in person to complete the form in the Clerk’s office. Completion and return of the form ensures that we can document why we remove someone’s name from the database.
(Top)

Is the questionnaire being used for any other purpose?
No, the questionnaires are used ONLY for the refill of the jury wheel. The questionnaire information is not shared with any other agency.
(Top)

What if I am confused by questions 5-7?
If you answer no to question 6, leave question 7 blank. If you answer yes to questions 6, then you will need to answer question 7.
(Top)

Where is the rest of the information regarding question 15?
The Eastern District of North Carolina only recognizes the three exemptions listed. Bubbles 4-10 should be left blank. Your form is not missing any data.
(Top)

What if I filled out the form in ink?
Send in the completed form anyway. It will be hand scored instead of being sent through the scanner.
(Top)

Where do I send the completed questionnaire?
Return the completed questionnaire in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope. If you have lost the reply envelope or did not receive one, mail the questionnaire to:

Office of the Clerk
U.S. District Court
Attn: Jury Services
P.O. Box 25670
Raleigh, N.C. 27690-7109
(Top)

What if I have lost my questionnaire?
You may call 919-645-1744 to request another copy. If you do not get an answer, please leave a message with your full name, your mailing address, and a return phone number.
(Top)