Jury lists within the 11th Judicial District are compiled from:
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Voter registration records, or
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Driver license lists, including lists of holders of state-issued nondrivers' identification cards.
Names acquired these sources are placed either into a computer or a jury wheel. When a jury panel is needed, the wheel or computer is used to select a number of names at random. Juror summonses are then sent to those persons whose names are drawn, and they may be called into court to serve on a trial jury.
Juror qualifications and requirements:
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Must be citizen of the United States and a resident of the county in which they have been summoned to serve.
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Possess the qualification of elector:
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Have not been adjudged incompetent by a court.
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Must be able to read, write and comprehend the English language.
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Cannot have been convicted of a felony within the last 10 years.
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Cannot have served on a jury panel within the county within the past year.
If you receive a jury summons, but do not qualify, please contact the clerk of the district court in the county from which your summons was issued.
Appearing for jury duty
Follow the instructions on your summons. Each district court in the 11th Judicial District has its own set of procedures, so following the instructions on your summons is important.
In general, you will be required to complete and return a questionnaire to the clerk of the district court. All questionnaires must be returned regardless of your qualification. If you are a qualified juror, you will likely be instructed to telephone the clerk's office, at the telephone number that is specified, after 5 p.m. the night before you are ordered to appear. You must follow the instructions contained on a specially recorded message for jurors. It is common for jury trials to be continued or settled prior to trial. Calling as instructed ensures that you know whether to come to court the next day or at a later date.
Jurors may only serve on a jury panel once in a twelve-month period. If you are summoned twice within a 12-month time, please notify the clerk of the district court from the county your summons was sent.
Juror fees and mileage
Jurors receive $10 per day for service.
Jurors living outside the city limits may be reimbursed for mileage at the legal rate as authorized by K.S.A 75-3203.
Effect of service on employment
Kansas law provides that no employer may fire or threaten to fire any permanent employee because of the employee's jury service or scheduled attendance in connection with jury service. (K.S.A. 43-173)
Employers are not, however, required to pay their employees while they are serving on a jury. Some employers may voluntarily have policies that allow payment of normal wages during an absence for jury duty. If in doubt, check with your employer.
Excuses from jury service
The judges of the 11nth Judicial District understand that serving as a juror will likely result as an inconvenience to you. However, a diverse and competent jury pool is imperative in order to ensure the judicial process is a success. Under the law, the judge is permitted to excuse those who are:
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So physically or mentally infirm that they are not up to the task of jury duty; or
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Whose presence is required elsewhere for public welfare, health, or safety; or
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If service on a jury would cause an extraordinary or compelling personal hardship.
Excuses from jury duty are at each judge's discretion. In certain instances, such as certain short term medical, job or other conflicts, a deferment to a later jury panel may be an alternative. Parents of small children are not automatically excused from jury duty due to child care issues. Requests for medical excuse should be accompanied by physician confirmation, if possible.
Courtroom accessibility to the physically challenged
Anyone who is physically challenged with a mobility, sight or hearing concern, who has been summoned and wishes to serve as a juror, will be accommodated to the best of the court's ability. Please notify the court prior to service.
Failure to appear
Failure to appear for jury duty may result in contempt of court and can result in fines up to $100 for each day of unexcused absence.