University students are not exempt from jury duty, but they can request a postponement. In Colorado, for example, students enrolled in an institution outside the state can postpone jury duty for up to 12 months. Students can also be temporarily excused from jury duty if they are breastfeeding or have other commitments. However, it is important to note that the decision to excuse a juror is made at the discretion of the court and cannot be reviewed or appealed.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Student exemption from jury duty | Depends on the state; in Colorado, students enrolled in an institution of higher education outside the state can postpone jury duty for up to 12 months; in Texas, students can be exempted |
Jury duty qualifications | Must be a US citizen, at least 18 years old, have resided in the judicial district for at least a year, be able to read and write in English, have no disqualifying mental or physical condition, not be subject to felony charges, and never have been convicted of a felony |
Groups exempt from federal jury service | Members of the armed forces and national guard on active duty, members of non-federal professional fire and police departments, and public officers of federal, state, or local governments |
What You'll Learn
Students enrolled in an institution outside their state
To request a postponement, the student must provide an alternative date within the next 6 months when they will be available to serve. This request can usually be made via a form or by contacting the jury commissioner. It is worth noting that there is typically a limit to the number of postponements an individual can request, often just one.
While enrolled in an out-of-state institution, students may also explore other options to postpone or be excused from jury duty. For example, they can cite the reason of being a student, with the understanding that they will need to fulfil their duty at a later date when they are back in the county or state. This option is typically available to students who will be out of the county or state on their appearance date but live in the county for more than 50% of the time and plan to return within the next 6 months.
Additionally, some states may offer temporary deferrals or excusals on grounds of "undue hardship or extreme inconvenience." These decisions are made at the discretion of the court and cannot be reviewed or appealed. Therefore, it is essential to contact the relevant court directly to inquire about specific policies and procedures regarding jury duty postponement or excusal.
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Students temporarily out of the county or state
In Colorado, jurors who are students and temporarily out of the county or state can postpone their jury duty to a later date when they are back in the county. This applies to students who live in the county more than 50% of the time and will be returning within the next 6 months.
Students enrolled in an institution of higher education outside the state of Colorado can postpone their jury duty for up to 12 months.
One source mentions that students can submit a postponement request with the reason being that they are a 'student'. An alternative date within the next 6 months must be provided, and only one postponement is allowed.
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Students who are US citizens
If you want to be excused from jury duty, you must make a written request to the clerk or judge, explaining your reason for requesting to be excused and including any supporting documentation. Some states have certain categories of people who are considered "exempt" from jury duty. However, this varies by state and even by court, so be sure to check the specific rules for your state and court.
If you are a US citizen and a full-time student, you may be able to get out of jury duty or postpone it to a later date. Some states allow students to opt out of jury duty if they are enrolled in school. You may be able to submit a student exemption form or affidavit on your state government's website. You can also contact the court clerk's office to inquire about your options.
It is important to respond to a jury summons and not ignore it, as failing to do so may result in stiff fines or even jail time for contempt. If you are summoned for jury duty, be sure to follow the instructions provided and reach out to the court clerk or judge if you have any questions or concerns about your ability to serve.
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Students who are over 18 years old
It is important to note that jury duty postponement or exemption for students may vary depending on the state and the court's policies. In some states, students may be exempt from jury duty, while in others, they may only be eligible for a postponement. Additionally, some courts may have specific requirements or conditions for students to be granted a postponement or exemption.
Students who receive a jury duty summons should carefully review the information provided by the court, as it may include specific instructions or guidelines related to their student status. In some cases, they may be required to provide documentation or proof of their enrollment in an educational institution.
It is also worth mentioning that, while students can request a postponement or exemption, the final decision rests with the court. The court has the discretion to grant or deny such requests based on their policies and procedures. Therefore, it is advisable for students to stay informed about the jury duty requirements and processes in their respective states and be prepared to fulfill their civic duty when called upon.
By understanding their rights and responsibilities, students who are over 18 years old can effectively navigate jury duty while managing their academic commitments.
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Students who have served on a federal jury before
However, it is important to note that jury duty laws can vary by state and even within a single state. For instance, in Colorado, a person with a felony conviction is eligible to be a trial juror but is not eligible to be a grand juror. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the specific laws and regulations of your state or county to understand the eligibility requirements for jury duty fully.
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Frequently asked questions
No, university students are not exempt from jury duty in Colorado. However, students enrolled in an institution outside the state of Colorado can postpone jury duty for up to 12 months.
Yes, there is an exemption for students in Texas.
In addition to students in Texas, members of the armed forces and national guard on active duty, members of non-federal professional fire and police departments, and public officers are exempt from federal jury duty.