The process of forming a jury in Indiana ensures trials are decided by a group of peers. It starts with creating a comprehensive list of potential jurors from the community and ends with selecting a specific panel for a trial. This overview explains how the system functions, from compiling names to seating the final jury.
Creation of Indiana’s Jury Pool
The foundation of Indiana’s jury system is the master jury pool, a comprehensive list of potential jurors from across a county. State law requires that this list be created by randomly selecting names from sources approved by the Indiana Supreme Court. These sources include records from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Revenue’s state income tax rolls, and voter registration lists.1Indiana Judicial Branch. Statewide Jury Pool Project
County jury administrators, under the supervision of local judges, are responsible for compiling and maintaining this master list annually. They must make reasonable efforts to avoid duplicating names to ensure the integrity of the pool. From this large master list, names are then randomly drawn as needed to create smaller jury panels for specific trials. This randomized, multi-sourced approach is central to providing an impartial group of potential jurors.
Juror Eligibility Criteria in Indiana
To be eligible for jury service in Indiana, an individual must meet several specific legal requirements. A potential juror must be a United States citizen and at least 18 years of age. There is also a residency requirement; the person must be a resident of the county that is summoning them. This ensures that jurors have a connection to the community where the trial is taking place.
Beyond citizenship, age, and residency, there are requirements related to a person’s functional capacity. A prospective juror must be able to communicate in English. Additionally, they cannot have a physical or mental disability that would prevent them from fulfilling their duties. These criteria are designed to ensure that every juror can fully comprehend the evidence and participate in deliberations.2Indiana Court Rules. 5. Disqualification
Reasons for Jury Service Disqualification
Certain circumstances can legally disqualify an individual from serving on a jury in Indiana, even if they meet the basic eligibility criteria. These are distinct from temporary exemptions and relate to an individual’s status within the legal system. The most significant disqualifier is a felony conviction.
If a person has been convicted of a felony and has not had their right to vote restored, they are ineligible for jury service. Another reason for disqualification is if a person is under guardianship because of mental incapacity. This legal status indicates that a court has already determined the individual cannot manage their own affairs, which extends to the duties of a juror.
Requesting an Exemption or Deferral from Jury Service
Indiana law allows individuals who are summoned to request an exemption or a deferral from service under specific circumstances. While exemptions are not automatic, certain individuals can request to be excused. For example, a person 75 years of age or older may request to be excused from service.3Justia. Indiana Code § 33-28-5-18. Disqualification or Excuse From Jury Service
For those who do not qualify for an exemption but face significant challenges, a deferral may be an option. A court may grant a deferral if the prospective juror can show that serving at that particular time would cause undue hardship or extreme inconvenience.4Indiana Court Rules. 7. Deferral The request must be made to the court after receiving the summons.
Responding to a Jury Summons and the Voir Dire Process
Receiving a jury summons in the mail is the first step in the final selection phase. The summons includes a juror qualification form and notice of the service period.5Justia. Indiana Code § 33-28-5-16. Juror Qualification Form; Mailing; Contents This form must be completed and returned, often online, to confirm eligibility. It also provides instructions on when and where to report for duty. Failure to respond or appear can result in legal consequences.
When a potential juror reports for duty, they enter the voir dire process. During voir dire, the judge and attorneys question the jury panel to select the final jurors for a specific case. The purpose is to identify any biases or preconceived notions that might prevent a person from being impartial.
Attorneys can dismiss potential jurors using two types of challenges. A challenge for cause requires a valid reason, while a peremptory challenge does not require a stated reason.6Indiana Court Rules. 18. Number of Peremptory Challenges This questioning continues until a full jury is selected and sworn in.