Scotland County Jury Service
Length of Service
A trial juror's service is normally one week. However, jurors may be put on telephone standby for any time that week when they are not required to be present in the courthouse. The average length of service, if selected to serve as a juror in a trial, is two days.
When and Where to Report
Jurors are to report for jury service per the instructions on the reverse side of their jury summons.
Request for Excusal, Postponement or Deferral
Jury service is the solemn obligation of all qualified citizens. For more information, view G.S. 9.6 about jury service and G.S. 9.6.1 about requests to be excused. Excuses from the discharge of this responsibility may be granted only for reasons of compelling personal hardship. Persons qualified to serve must:
- Reside in Scotland County
- Be at least 18 years of age or older
- Understand the English language
- Have not served as a juror during the preceding two (2) years or as a grand juror in the past six (6) years (include date of service on the application)
- Be physically and mentally competent
If applying for excusal or deferral for the following reasons, supporting documentation MUST be provided for your request to be considered:
- People 72 years of age or older
- NOT a Scotland County, North Carolina Resident (must submit proof of residency such as a copy of your drivers’ license or utility bill, lease agreement, etc., showing your name and current address)
- Person is deceased
- Students enrolled in a full-time learning institution (must submit a copy of your current class schedule)
- Health/Medical reasons (must submit proof or your disability/illness such as a doctor’s note or have the doctor to fax or email the information. If you are unable to bring the note, your service may be deferred to a later session after your next doctor’s appointment to get a doctor’s note).
- Convicted of a felony and voting rights have NOT been restored (must provide the county and year of conviction)
- Not a United States Citizen (must submit proof such as a copy of your green card or Visa)
- On assignment with the military (must provide a copy of your orders)
- Cannot understand the English language (must be accompanied by a reliable person, such as an employer, willing to vouch for you. Otherwise, the Superior Court Judge may decide on the date summonsed).