They are asked to see if you have any prior knowledge of the case, a private opinion which cannot be laid aside, or a personal experience or relationship which could cause you to take sides with either party. These questions are not intended to be personal or unduly inquisitive about you and your affairs. The judge or the lawyers will then question the jurors to see if they are qualified to act as fair and impartial jurors in that case. Will I be asked a lot of questions? Before a jury is impaneled for a particular case, the judge ordinarily will acquaint the jurors with the parties and circumstances of the case. In a criminal case, action is brought in the name of the State of West Virginia – the plaintiff – to try a person – the defendant – who is charged with a crime. ![]() In a civil case, one person or company – the plaintiff – asks the court to protect some right or to help recover money or property from another person or company – the defendant. What kind of cases will I have to judge? You may serve in two kinds of cases – civil and criminal. All courts use some type of telephone call-in system which allows them to notify jurors in advance that their presence is not necessary on a given day. Will I have to report to the courthouse every day? No. When this happens, you have performed a service just as important as if a verdict has been rendered and at less cost to the taxpayers than if a full trial had been held. Some cases are disposed of without trial because the litigants and the lawyers are aware of the fact that you are ready, able and willing to decide the issues in their respective cases. You should be aware, however, that waiting time forms a part of the very valuable service performed by jurors. Will there be a lot of waiting around and wasted time? Every effort is made to minimize waiting time and to release jurors as soon as it is clear that their service is no longer needed on a given date. Be comfortable, but avoid extremes in dress. What should I wear to court? Dress as you would to go to a business meeting or social function. What about the cost of meals or parking? Who pays for that? You are responsible for the cost of meals, parking, and any other incidental expenses incurred as the result of service, however, you will be reimbursed $40 for each day of required attendance at court plus round-trip mileage. Employers are not required, however, to pay wages to employees who are absent due to jury duty. West Virginia law also provides legal remedies to employees who are discriminated against by their employer because of a summons to jury duty or absence due to jury service. Frequently Asked Questions What if my employer will not let me off work for jury duty? West Virginia law requires that employees be excused from employment for the day or days required to serve as a juror. When you report to court, the presiding judge will inform you further of your function and conduct as a juror. This pamphlet is designed to answer some of the more commonly asked questions about jury duty and explain the events that will occur during your service. ![]() If you are unfamiliar with court proceedings, you may have misconceptions, apprehensions, or be confused about your role as a juror. To ensure the continuation of the right to trial by jury, citizens, just like you, from all walks of life are called to perform their civic duty as jurors every day. It is an honor to serve on a jury and a responsibility which you should accept with pride. It is the right to have the facts in a controversy determined by a verdict of impartial jurors acting under the direction of a judge. ![]() The right to trial by jury is guaranteed by the United States Constitution as well as the Constitution of the State of West Virginia.
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