This document provides an orientation for prospective jurors in Wise County and the City of Norton Circuit Court. It explains that jurors are selected randomly from registered voters and drivers, outlines reasons for potential excusal from jury duty including extreme circumstances, and details policies regarding payment, notification, and conduct during jury duty including not using electronic devices in court and not discussing cases. Jurors are instructed to provide unavailable dates, check their status online or via text, and report to the specified room by a certain time on the dates in their juror letter. Failure to appear can result in contempt of court charges.

1. Wise County & City of
Norton Circuit Court
Juror Orientation

2. WHY ME?
• Random list of registered voters and
drivers
• 1,500 Juror Questionnaires
• 800 Potential Jurors Annually
• 125 Jurors Each Term

3. CAN I BE EXCUSED?
• Civic Duty
• Extreme Circumstances
– Written detailed request
• Reviewed by Judge
• Formal Written Notification
– Approved: You are released
– Not Approved: You are a juror
Submitting a request does NOT release you.

4. CAN I BE EXCUSED
FOR A FEW DAYS?
• Yes!
• List dates on juror questionnaire
• Call 328-6111, option 5
Please give us as much notice as possible.
Please do not take advantage.

5. WILL I BE PAID?
• $30 per day
• Delinquent County Taxes
• Paid on day of service

6. WHAT KIND OF CASES
WILL I HEAR?
• Court of General Jurisdiction
– Civil
– Criminal
• You will not be informed of the case
prior to the trial
• You should not try to determine
which case you will be hearing

7. WHEN DO I REPORT?
• Juror Number
• www.courtbar.org or 328-8877
– After 6pm
– Refer to the your letter for specific dates
• Text Message Notification
– Text wisejury to 41411
– Report to Room 313 by 8:45am
– Arrive early for security purposes
• Be sure to sign in

8. CONTEMPT OF COURT
• You are responsible for:
– Notifying courts of unavailable dates in
a timely manner
– Determining if you have been selected
to report (call in, check online, receive
text)
Failure to appear shall result in Contempt of
Court charges being filed against you.

9. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IF
I AM SELECTED?
• 1 day or less trials
• 35 jurors
• Report to Room 313
• Up to 20 jurors called into Courtroom
• Questions
– Do not give additional information
– Some issues may be addressed
separately

10. CAN I…?
• Talk about the case
– No
• Take notes
– Yes, the Court will provide paper, but
notes will be collected

11. CAN I BRING…?
YES
• Drink/Snack (vending machines are available;
lunch is not provided)
• Jacket (dress appropriately; remember you are
appearing in a Court)
• Book (you may be waiting in the jury room)
NO
• Cell phone or other electronic devices

12. THINGS TO REMEMBER
• Refer to your letter for the dates of
your term
– Lunch on your own
• Vending machines
– Do not talk about the case
• Provide Court with your unavailable
dates
• It will not be as bad as you imagine!

13. NEXT STEP
In order to verify you have
completed this online orientation
you MUST go to the following
URL:
http://www.courtbar.org/jury.php