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Court Administration
Can jury duty be rescheduled?
Yes. However, you will need to state the reason, in writing, why you cannot serve on a jury term. If approved, you will be rescheduled to a future two-week term.
Who is eligible for jury duty?
Jurors must:1) Be a citizen of the United States
2) Be at least 18 years of age
3) Reside in Rice County
4) Be able to communicate in English
You cannot serve on a jury if you have been convicted of a felony and your civil rights have not been restored.
If you are in doubt about your eligibility for jury service, you can contact the Jury Office by mail, phone, or e-mail at:
Rice County Court Administrator
218 NW 3rd St.
Faribault, Mn. 55021
507-332-6191 or 507-332-6107
RCCourtAdmin@co.rice.mn.us Are jurors compensated for jury service? Jurors are paid mileage and per day attendance pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 593.48. Checks are usually mailed 30 days after completion of the jury term. Call the Court Administrator's Office at 507-332-6191 with questions about checks or other information. Can I avoid jury duty? No, unless you are over 70 and request to be excused, or if you don't meet the requirements of Minnesota Statutes for extreme hardship. How long does jury duty last? Jury duty in Rice County is two weeks. However, if you are seated on a jury, your service will be continued until the trial is completed. Jurors are required to serve for the duration of a trial. How was I selected for jury duty? You were selected at random from lists of voter registrations, driver registrations, and Minnesota identification cards for residents of Rice County. Is my employment protected if I serve on jury duty? Yes, your employment is protected under Minnesota Statutes 593.50, Subdivision 1. An employer shall not deprive an employee of employment, or threaten or otherwise coerce the employee with respect thereto, because the employee receives a summons, responds thereto, serves as a juror, or attends court for prospective jury service. Must my employer pay me while I am on jury duty? Your employer is not required to pay you while you are on jury duty, however, many employers will pay the difference between your jury payment and your salary, but they are not required to do so. What is my duty as a juror? As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. You must apply the law given by the judge to the facts given during the trial to make a decision in a case. What type of cases do jurors hear? Jurors hear felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, and civil cases. Some types of cases are driving under the influence, assault, domestic violence, or theft. Jurors will also hear civil cases in property disputes, contracts and personal injury. Why is Jury Duty important? The United States Constitution and the Minnesota State Constitution guarantees all people the right to a trial by an impartial jury. Justice ultimately depends in large measure on the jurors who serve in our courts.
Court Administration page
Faribault: (507) 332-6100 | Lonsdale: (507) 744-5185 | Northfield: (507) 645-9576
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