Luzerne County Courts

FAQ'S

How was I selected for Jury Duty?

A list of potential jurors is obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Names are selected randomly from this list. Any person with a valid Pennsylvania drivers license can be summoned for jury duty. Upon selection, your summons and questionnaire are mailed to your residence. The questionnaire MUST be filled out in its entirety and returned to the Jury Board Room at the Luzerne County Courthouse within 5 days. This questionnaire establishes your eligibility to serve as a juror.
Any person age 70 and above, or any person who has served jury duty in Luzerne County within the past 3 years, has the option of declining service.

Where do I park?

Please click on our parking link for information.

Where do I report for Jury Duty?

Jurors report to the Jury Assembly Area at 8:30 AM on the first floor of the Courthouse with their summons and a form of identification. Upon checking in at the Jury Check In Center, jurors are directed to one of the courtrooms on the third floor where a Judge of the Luzerne County Court System will address their responsibilities as a juror.


How is a jury selected?

The trial court judge requests a panel of prospective jurors from the larger group of potential jurors to begin the selection process in his/her courtroom. The jurors answer questions for the purpose of determining their ability to be fair and impartial. Usually a panel of 14 jurors is selected for a particular trial. The remaining jurors, who were not selected, return to the "Jury Pool" where their names can be selected for another trial.

What will my length of service be?

If you are selected as a trial juror, your service will be the length of that trial, which may usually take between 1 and 5 days, or in some cases longer to complete. If you are not selected as a trial juror, your length of service can also vary between 1 and 5 days.

How will I be compensated?

Pennsylvania law provides for the payment of $9.00 per day and $.17 per mile for the first 3 days of your juror service. After the third day, you will receive $25.00 for each day thereafter plus mileage. The rate of compensation is determined by Pennsylvania State Legislature, not by the court. On the Friday concluding your term of service, a check for payment and work slip for your employer is mailed to your residence.

What if my service needs to be postponed?

Any request for postponement should be described on line 7 of the questionnaire. If postponement is approved, the Jury Board Personnel will provide you with an alternate date by mail.

What if I have an emergency regarding my jury service?

If there is an emergency, which would prevent you from appearing on your service date, please contact the Jury Board Room at (570) 825-1696.

If you have any questions or comments about Jury Service, not answered here, you may contact the Jury Board Room at the above number or via e-mail Jury Board Room.