United States District Court
Eastern District of North Carolina

PLEASE NOTE:

Jury Scam Alert information

Public Notice Regarding Changes to Miscellaneous Court Fee Schedules Effective December 1, 2023.
The Judicial Conference approved inflationary adjustments to fees on the miscellaneous fee schedule will become effective December 1, 2023. Please review the District Court Fee Schedule under the "Public" tab at www.nced.uscourts.gov. Updated fees will be posted as of December 1, 2023.

The Wilmington Courthouse will be closed November 13 through November 17, 2023. Beginning November 20, 2023, court will resume in Wilmington at the Alton Lennon Federal Building and United States Courthouse located at 2 Princess Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401. Courtroom technology in courtroom 1 at the Alton Lennon Federal Building, Wilmington has been recently updated and is operable effective 4/8/2024. Any attorney that would like to do the technology training must contact Rick Sanchez at (919-645-1716).
FY 2024 Pre-Lapse in Appropriations Notice to Contractors
Camp Lejuene Water Litigation Information.
Case Management Order 1, Camp Lejeune Water Litigation.

courthouses
VISITOR INFORMATION: Mobile devices and weapons are not permitted in the courthouse. Please bring a photo ID.
JUROR FAQ

Petit (Trial) Jury FAQ

Can I complete this summons form online?
Can I ask for a postponement or excuse online?
What is a petit or trial jury?
What if I have a planned vacation or other pre-paid travel or events during the time of my summons?
What if I have already served jury duty in the last two years?
What if my employer will not release me for jury duty?
Can I be fired from my job because of jury duty?
Do I need a doctor’s letter if I am asking to be excused or deferred?
What if I have changed my name?
What if I have moved out of North Carolina?
What if I have moved to a county other than one of those listed in my summons instructions?
Is there a dress code?
Can I bring my cell phone?
Can I bring a laptop?
Can I bring reading materials?
What if I need an unscheduled bathroom break during jury service?
What if I am over 70 years of age?
Who sees all of the information requested on this card?
What if I refuse to complete and return the response card?
What if I refuse to or fail to report for jury service?
What is this 800 number I am supposed to call?
How many times will I have to report for service and how long will I be there?
What are the court’s daily business hours?
What if I have special needs?
What is voir dire and what will happen on jury selection day?
How much and when will I be paid for my jury service?
What if my employer wants proof of my service?
Does my employer have to pay me while I am on jury duty?
What if I live a long distance from the courthouse?
Will I be sequestered or will I be able to come home at night?
How long must I serve?
What about severe/inclement weather situations?
What if I need to ask to be excused from or have my jury service rescheduled?
Where do I send my excuse or postponement request?
How will I be notified regarding the answer to my request?
What areas does the Eastern District of North Carolina cover?
What if I have submitted a request for excuse or postponement of jury service and I have not received a response by the deadline noted in my summons package?
How are excuse requests presented on the date of jury selection handled?
Where do I send the completed response card for my summons?

Can I complete this summons form online?

Yes, visit us on the web at www.nced.uscourts.gov.  Once there, click on Jury Information and then click on e-JUROR.
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Can I ask for a postponement or excuse online?

Yes, complete the entire summons form online and then you will be able to access the postponement/excuse request menu.
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What is a petit or trial jury?

A petit or trial jury is a jury selected for the trial of a particular case. It may be a civil or a criminal matter. Such a jury will sit together, hear evidence, be given instructions as to the applicable law in their case by the presiding judge, and will retire to deliberate and return a verdict. A petit jury usually consists of twelve jurors plus alternates in a criminal case. Under federal rules, a petit jury in a civil trial may be composed of anywhere from six to twelve jurors.
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What if I have a planned vacation or other pre-paid travel or events during the time of my summons?

You will answer the summons electronically by e-JUROR or by completing and returning the response card by mail. You will give the dates of your previously planned event in a letter attached to the mailed response card or in the e-JUROR postponement request screen.  You will be excused for the dates of your vacation or other obligation. You may remain on call for the other weeks of the term or you may be rescheduled to another court term depending on the court’s need for jurors.
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What if I have already served jury duty in the last two years?

If you have served jury duty within the last two (2) years in any other court and you wish to be deferred on that basis, you will need to provide us with a copy of your attendance certificate or pay stub from the other court. You may fax or e-mail the copy of your attendance certificate if you complete the summons online.
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What if my employer will not release me for jury duty?

You have been legally summoned for jury service and unless you are deferred or excused pursuant to the instructions provided in your summons, you must serve. Failure to report for service may be punishable as a contempt of court. You may be arrested and required to show cause as to why you did not appear for service. Pursuant to 28 U.S. Code Section 1866, potential penalties to you for failure to show good cause for failing to appear include a fine of up to $100.00 and or jail time for up to three days.

The Judicial Administration & Technical Amendments Act of 2008 Amends 28 U.S. Code 1864(b) and 28 U.S. Code 1866(g) by striking "$100.00 fine or imprisoned for not more than three days, or both."; The new legislation authorizes a penalty of a fine up to $1,000.00, not more than three days in prison or community service or any combination thereof for failure to comply with a summons or lying on a questionnaire to avoid jury duty.

Your employment is protected pursuant to 28 U.S. Code Section 1875 which reads in part: "No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee's jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States..."

The Judicial Administration & Technical Amendments Act of 2008 Amends 28 U.S. Code 1875 (b)(3) by striking " $1,000.00 (fine) for each violation as to each employee" and inserting "$5,000.00 for each violation as to each employee, and may be ordered to perform community service."

Any employer who violates the provisions of this section:

  1. Shall be liable for damages for any loss of wages or other benefits suffered by an employee by reason of such violation;
  2. May be enjoined from further violation of this section and ordered to provide other appropriate relief, including but not limited to the reinstatement of any employee discharged by reason of his/her jury service; and
  3. Shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation as to each employee. Any juror, grand juror, or potential juror who experiences such behavior should patiently listen to the employer and then contact the jury clerk or other court officer immediately.

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Can I be fired from my job because of jury duty?

Your employment is protected pursuant to 28 U.S. Code Section 1875 which reads in part: "No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee’s jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States..."

The Judicial Administration & Technical Amendments Act of 2008 Amends 28 U.S. Code 1875 (b)(3) by striking " $1,000.00 (fine) for each violation as to each employee" and inserting "$5,000.00 for each violation as to each employee, and may be ordered to perform community service."

Any employer who violates the provisions of this section:

  1. Shall be liable for damages for any loss of wages or other benefits suffered by an employee by reason of such violation;
  2. May be enjoined from further violation of this section and ordered to provide other appropriate relief, including but not limited to the reinstatement of any employee discharged by reason of his/her jury service; and
  3. Shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation as to each employee.

Any juror, grand juror, or potential juror who experiences such behavior should patiently listen to the employer and then contact the jury clerk or other court officer immediately.
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Do I need a doctor’s letter if I am asking to be excused or deferred?

In general, 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 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 that leave the excuse period non- defined or ill-defined will result in your name being subject to recall after six months.

In the e-JUROR program, you may print a blank note for your doctor to complete.
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What if I have changed my name?

Update your name and any other information on the response card or online via e-JUROR.
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What if I have moved out of North Carolina?

Complete the top three lines regarding your name and new address. Sign the card and check the moved/relocated exemption on the back of the card. If you respond online via e-JUROR, you will have to complete the entire response form.
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What if I have moved to a county other than one of those listed in my summons instructions?

Complete the entire card and return the same or answer through e-JUROR. Upon review of the new data, an appropriate response will be entered either excusing you or moving your service to another city within the district. If your service is moved to one of the other cities within the district, such service will be at a later date and you will receive a new summons when your name is drawn again.
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Is there a dress code?

There is no formal dress code in our court. We recognize that jurors come from widely varying circumstances. That is as it should be. We do ask that people remember that court is a solemn and dignified place and that the proceedings taking place there may have an enormous impact on the lives of those persons involved. We ask that you dress with this in mind.
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Can I bring my cell phone?

You will need to leave all cell phones and pagers in your car on the first day of jury service. After you have been selected for a trial, the presiding judge will advise you whether or not you are allowed to bring a cell phone or pager with you.
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Can I bring a laptop?

No.
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Can I bring reading materials?

Check the instruction sheet sent with your summons.
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What if I need an unscheduled bathroom break during jury service?

Our judges try to take regularly scheduled restroom and snack breaks. Even so, the individual needs of people sometimes do not follow regular schedules. If you need an unscheduled break during jury service, simply raise your hand. The judge will recognize you and stop the proceedings so that you may use the facilities or stop so that everyone can have a break. Do not hesitate to do this. Your job as a juror is to listen and if your are sitting there worried about the next break, you are not doing your job.
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What if I am over 70 years of age?

You are still welcome to serve if you wish. If you do not wish to serve, complete the response card and mark the over 70 exemption on the back. Upon entry of your data, an excuse letter will be mailed to you. You may also enter this excuse request online through the e-JUROR program.
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Who sees all of the information requested on this card?

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 response cards of jurors actually appearing at that particular trial. In that event, the attorneys are required to review the response cards in the presence of either the presiding judge or the deputy clerk. No one is allowed to copy any information and the cards are not allowed to leave the room.

Electronic records created by the court in relation to jury matters are also protected by restricted access and by various computer security measures.
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What if I refuse to complete and return the response card?

28 U.S. Code Section 1866(g) provides in part that "...any person who fails to show good cause for noncompliance with a summons may be fined not more than $100.00 or imprisoned not more than three days, or both."
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What if I refuse to or fail to report for jury service?

You have been legally summoned for jury service and unless you are deferred or excused pursuant to the instructions provided in your summons, you must serve. Failure to report for service may be punishable as a contempt of court. You may be arrested and required to show cause as to why you did not appear for service. Pursuant to 28 U.S. Code Section 1866, potential penalties to you for failure to show good cause for failing to appear include a fine of up to $100.00 and or jail time for up to three days.

The Judicial Administration & Technical Amendments Act of 2008 Amends 28 U.S. Code 1864(b) and 28 U.S. Code 1866(g) by striking "$100.00 fine or imprisoned for not more than three days, or both."; The new legislation authorizes a penalty of a fine up to $1,000.00, not more than three days in prison or community service or any combination thereof for failure to comply with a summons or lying on a questionnaire to avoid jury duty.
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What is this 800 number I am supposed to call?

The 1-800 number is provided in your summons package and it is utilized to allow flexibility in our system. The court’s business sometimes changes at the last minute. By using the 800 number, we can easily bring in only the number of jurors we actually need on any given day within a court term. This avoids unnecessary expenditures for us and avoids the need for jurors to report only to sit in the jury lounge all day or to be told to go back home and possibly report again. The number also provides an easy communication tool in the event of severe or inclement weather.

When you call the 800 number, follow whatever instructions may be recorded as they may differ from what was originally stated in your summons. You are instructed to call the 800 number after 6:00 p.m. on the last business day immediately preceding the date for which you are summoned to serve. If there is severe weather the morning you are instructed to report, call the 800 number again between 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. for any updated instructions.

When you call the 800 number, you will be given a series of communication options. Listen to the system. You will be instructed to enter your Juror Participant Number. This is the nine-digit number located on your summons just to right of the bar code immediately above your name. The number will begin with 100 and follow with six more numbers.

YOU MUST LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE MESSAGE EACH TIME YOU HAVE TO CALL THE 800 NUMBER.
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How many times will I have to report for service and how long will I be there?

Generally, unless there is a severe shortage of jurors, you will only have to report for jury selection once. We do our best to make sure that we have enough jurors on standby to maintain this policy. There are times however when the very best made plans go awry and we do have to require jurors to report for selection more than once in a given term.

Our trials generally average 3-5 days each. This necessarily means that some trials are longer and some are shorter. On the day of jury selection, the presiding judge will give you instructions as to the estimated trial time for the case on which you are serving. Please remember that this instruction will be an estimate only. If more than one jury is selected on a given day, the judge will tell you when to return for the start of your trial.

On the first day you are instructed to report (jury selection day), you should plan to be at the courthouse all day.
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What are the court’s daily business hours?

The court's business hours are set by the individual judge and the nature of the particular trial. Generally, business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is subject to change.
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What if I have special needs?

Write a letter and return it with your summons response card. Explain your situation and how we might accommodate your special needs. The jury clerk will respond to you either by phone or by letter to discuss whether accommodations can be arranged. If the jury clerk has not contacted you by 6:00 p.m. on the Wednesday immediately preceding your reporting day, you should call the juror help line at the number listed on your summons instruction sheet.
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What is voir dire and what will happen on jury selection day?

The term comes from Old French and roughly means to speak the truth. In the legal environment it means a preliminary examination concerning the competence of a prospective witness or juror.

On jury selection day, you will report to the courthouse as instructed. You will go through security at the entrance. There will be a metal detector. You will then go to the courtroom or the jury lounge where either a deputy clerk or the jury clerk will check your attendance. You will update any missing or unclear information on your response card. You will be given general instructions as to what is going on for the day, where restrooms and break rooms are located, and any other necessary information.

When you report to the courtroom or when the judge comes into the courtroom, the voir dire process will begin. You will be asked to take an oath or an affirmation. Jurors will then be "called into the box" from the audience. You will be seated and the presiding judge will ask you questions. Keep your seat and just respond to the questions. Nothing in the questioning process is designed to be embarrassing or intimidating. That does not mean that delicate issues will not be addressed at times. If a particular question does cause you concern, raise your hand and ask the judge to allow you to respond at the bench. The judge will probably call the attorneys up to the bench as well.

During the process, jurors will be excused from the box and others will be called in until the jury is selected. Jurors who are excused from the box should return to the audience and have a seat because they may be used in another jury selection that same day.
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How much and when will I be paid for my jury service?

Jurors are paid $40.00 per day for attendance fees and are reimbursed mileage round trip from their home to our place of holding court. If parking fees are involved, jurors will be reimbursed parking as per the instructions sent with the summons. Checks are normally cut and mailed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Attendance information is entered as soon as possible after receipt in our Raleigh office. Generally, you should have your check within one week of the completion of your service.
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What if my employer wants proof of my service?

You should ask for an attendance certificate from the deputy clerk who is working with you on reporting day. If you forget and need one later, you may call the juror help line as noted on your summons instruction sheet or, you may print one for yourself by accessing e-JUROR.
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Does my employer have to pay me while I am on jury duty?

There is no federal statute requiring employers to pay jurors their regular salary or wage while they are performing jury duty. Some employers, of their own choosing, do follow such practice.
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What if I live a long distance from the courthouse?

If you live more than 70 miles one way from the courthouse, we can provide you with a hotel at our expense. You will also receive a food allowance. If you wish to take advantage of this option, you should return a note with your response card so advising the jury clerk. The jury clerk will make arrangements and be back in touch with you. If you have not been contacted by 6:00 p.m. on the Wednesday immediately preceding your reporting date, you should contact the jury clerk at the juror help line number listed on your summons instruction sheet.
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Will I be sequestered or will I be able to come home at night?

Whether or not a jury will be sequestered is a frequent concern of those being called to jury duty. It does sometimes happen; however, it is a rarity in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
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How long must I serve?

Our terms of court run for three weeks and your service may begin at any time within the term. Your service could extend past the three-week period if you are selected for a trial that does not finish within the term or if you are selected for a trial that starts late in the term. This does not mean that you will automatically serve for three weeks or that you will be reporting every day for three weeks. Our trials generally average 3-5 days each. Our terms of court almost always involve more than one trial. Once you are selected for a trial, the presiding judge will instruct you as to the anticipated trail length and when to report for continued service.
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What about severe/inclement weather situations?

The jury clerk and the judges keep attuned to anticipated weather conditions. We keep weather issues in mind when reporting instructions are finalized.

If you are summoned, have not yet had to actually report for service, and are calling the 800 number the night before an anticipated reporting date, the recorded message will advise you of any delays or cancellations due to weather conditions.

If you have already reported for service and have been selected to serve on a jury, then you must follow whatever instructions the presiding judge may have issued. 
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What if I need to ask to be excused from or have my jury service rescheduled?

Jury service is a civic right and a civic duty. It is just as important as voting or paying your taxes. If however, the jury service for which you are summoned will result in undue hardship or extreme inconvenience because of a grave illness in your family or another similar, serious problem, you may ask for a temporary excuse. In your letter, you should note a more convenient time when your service might be rescheduled. Please be aware that work is usually considered a hardship for everyone and that only extenuating circumstances will be considered with regard to work related issues.

You must submit your request in writing by letter or electronically through e- JUROR. Please explain your situation so that the Judge or Jury Clerk can make a reasonably informed decision. If you are asking for an excuse or delay of service, please advise the court as to a later date when you will be available for rescheduling. Submit your request immediately upon receipt of your summons or immediately upon learning of any such serious problem. You may fax your request if time is an issue. The fax number is located on your summons information sheet. Please mail the original. You will log into e-JUROR or call 1-800-342-2539 to get the answer to your postponment or excuse request.
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Where do I send my excuse or postponement request?

Send your letter back with your completed response card in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope. If you have already mailed the response card or you have lost the envelope or you did not receive a business reply envelope, you should mail the materials to:

Office of the Clerk
U.S. District Court
Eastern District of North Carolina
P.O. Box 25670
Raleigh, N.C. 27690-7109
Attn: Jury Clerk
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How will I be notified regarding the answer to my request?

You will either: call the automated attendant at 1-800-342-2539 and follow the prompts or you will log back into e-JUROR as directed in your summons package.

Please note, that requests are answered as quickly as possible. Answers are generally posted within 5 days of receipt.
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What areas does the Eastern District of North Carolina cover?

United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina encompasses approximately one-third of the state, forty-four counties in all. The location of your particular jury service is based upon your county of residence. Click here to view the list of counties.
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What if I have submitted a request for excuse or postponement of jury service and I have not received a response by the deadline noted in my summons package?

If the system has not been updated with an answer for you by 12:00 noon the last business day immediately preceding the date for which you have been summoned, you should call 919-645-1744 or 919-645-1721.
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How are excuse requests presented on the date of jury selection handled?

The summoning process provides jurors with the opportunity to request excuses from or postponement of jury service in advance of their scheduled service date(s). This process operates on the premise that routine, normally foreseeable problems will be identified and addressed prior to the date of jury service. The court tries to limit the number of jurors actually reporting on selection day for two reasons. First, we try to be conservative so that we do not waste the time of jurors who we really have no likelihood of using. Second, we try to avoid the costs incurred by having an overly large panel of jurors reporting for service. This being said, the court also recognizes that the unexpected does happen and that sickness or ill health may strike at any time. Taking all of these issues into account, excuse or postponement requests presented on the date of jury selection will normally be denied unless the request is based upon a sudden illness or a life-threatening emergency on the part of a juror or a juror's immediate family member.
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Where do I send the completed response card for my summons?

Don't forget, you may answer the summons online via e-JUROR. If you answer the summons online, you do not have to complete and mail the card.  Otherwise, return the completed response card, along with any letters or doctor's notes, in the postagepaid business reply envelope. If you have lost the envelope or one was not included with your summons, mail the card to:

Office of the Clerk
U.S. District Court
Eastern District of North Carolina
P.O. Box 25670
Raleigh, N.C. 27690-7109
Attn: Jury Clerk
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Qualification Questionnaire FAQ

Can I complete this form online?
Why did I receive a qualification questionnaire?
What if I refuse to return the questionnaire?
How will my personal information be safeguarded?
Who sees my personal information?
What if my name or address is different from what is shown on the printed questionnaire?
Why do I need to answer the questions about race and gender?
What if I have received the questionnaire or summons for someone who is deceased or otherwise unable to complete the form themselves?
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?
Does the questionnaire mean that I have to report for jury service now?
Can I ask to be excused now?
Do I need to complete the form even if I no longer live in the Eastern District of North Carolina?
Is the questionnaire being used for any other purpose?
What if I am confused by questions 5-7?
Where is the rest of the information regarding question 14 on the form?
What if I filled out the form in ink?
Where do I send the completed questionnaire?
What if I have lost my questionnaire?

Can I complete this form online?

Yes, questionnaires received after January 1, 2011 may be completed online. Visit us on the web at www.nced.uscourts.gov. Once there, click on the Jury link and then click one-JUROR. Please note: If you complete the form online, you do not need to complete and return the paper copy.
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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. The Eastern District of North Carolina replenishes its jury wheel after every congressional election. Your name was drawn by random from the North Carolina Voter Registration List. 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.
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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.
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How will my personal information be safeguarded?

All paper questionnaires are maintained in locked file cabinets.

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.
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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.
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What if my name or address is different from what is shown on the printed questionnaire?

Write in your correct address next to the old address. Updates will be made upon receipt or your returned questionnaire.

If you complete the questionnaire online, you may make any name or address changes during the online process.
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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.
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What if I have received the questionnaire or summons for someone who is deceased or otherwise unable to 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.

You may also address these situations online via e-JUROR.
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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.

Either online or in paper form, submit a written explanation of the situation. If the person is a student, give the dates and name of the school where they are enrolled.
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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.
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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 illdefined will result in your name being subject to recall after six months.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Where is the rest of the information regarding question 14 on the form?

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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Grand Jury Service FAQ

What is a grand jury?
How long must I serve?
How often will I serve?
How will I be notified regarding monthly service during my term?
What if I need to miss or be excused from a particular grand jury meeting?
What about severe/inclement weather situations?
How do I tell my employer that I have been selected for grand jury service?
What about my job?

What is a grand jury?

A federal grand jury is composed of 23 jurors who come together to hear testimony or to be presented other evidence for the purpose of determining whether or not an individual or organization should be indicted or formally charged with a crime. A federal grand jury does not actually determine guilt or innocence. The grand jury only determines whether or not there is sufficient evidence to reasonably believe that a person or organization should be or should not be charged with a crime. If the grand jury does return an indictment, the individual or business may then be brought to trial before a petit or trial jury for determination of guilt or innocence.

The grand jury serves as an important safeguard for citizens. The grand jury system requires that the government make a reasonable showing of a crime to a body of average citizens before the government can bring felony charges against an individual or organization.
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How long must I serve?

Service on a grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina is typically 18 months. On occasion, a grand jury may be extended to the maximum service time of 24 months.
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How often will I serve?

Our grand juries typically meet 1-3 days each month.
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How will I be notified regarding monthly service during my term?

Monthly reminders are mailed approximately one week prior to each scheduled meeting. If a meeting is to be cancelled, you will receive a notice as well.
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What if I need to miss or be excused from a particular grand jury meeting?

You will contact your foreperson to make arrangements for short-term excuses. Long-term excuses (for more than three months) will need to be approved by a judge. In the case of a long-term excuse request, you will submit a letter of explanation to the jury clerk. The jury clerk will then consult with one of the judges and then advise you regarding the outcome of your request.
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What about severe/inclement weather situations?

This instruction is for grand jurors ONLY.

The jury clerk and the judges routinely track anticipated weather situations. We normally try to notify everyone by phone the day before any anticipated problems; however, sometimes the unexpected does happen overnight or we are unable to make an informed decision the day before a possible weather situation. In this event, you will call the 1-800-342-2529 number and enter your juror participant number for updated instructions.
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How do I tell my employer that I have been selected for grand jury service?

A standard form letter for employers will be mailed to you upon your selection as a grand juror.
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What about my job?

Your employment is protected pursuant to 28 U.S. Code Section 1875 which reads in part: "No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee's jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States..." Any employer who violates the provisions of this section:

  1. Shall be liable for damages for any loss of wages or other benefits suffered by an employee by reason of such violation;
  2. May be enjoined from further violation of this section and ordered to provide other appropriate relief, including but not limited to the reinstatement of any employee discharged by reason of his/her jury service; and
  3. Shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation as to each employee.

Any juror, grand juror, or potential juror who experiences such behavior should patiently listen to the
employer and then contact the jury clerk or other court officer immediately.
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