Juries in Justice Court are comprised of 6
members who are qualified citizens of Eastland County, however you do
not have to live in a particular precinct. Service as a juror is a civic
duty and is the only guarantee of a fair and impartial system of
justice. The Constitution guarantees an individual the right to a trial
by a jury of his peers. Your willingness to serve guarantees that right.
Qualifications for Jury Service:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be a citizen of Eastland County, and the State of Texas;
- Be legally qualified to vote, however you do not have to be registered to vote;
- Be of sound mind and good moral character;
- Be able to read and write;
- Not have served as a juror for 6 days during the preceding 3
months in County Court, or the preceding 6 months in District Court; or
- Not have been convicted of, or be under indictment for
misdemeanor theft or any felony (Completion of Deferred Adjudication is
not a disqualifying conviction.).
Exemptions from Jury Service:
(You are not required to claim an exemption, however you may choose to be excused if you meet one of the following categories.)
- Are over 70 years of age;
- Have legal custody of a child younger than 10 and service on the jury requires leaving the child without adequate supervision;
- Are a student of a public or private secondary school (High School or equivalent);
- Are a person enrolled and in actual attendance at an institute of higher education;
- Are an officer or an employee of the senate, house of
representatives, or any department, commission, board, office or other
agency in the legislative branch of government; or
- Are the primary caretaker of an invalid unable to care for himself (this does not apply to healthcare workers).
Excuse for Religious Holiday
A prospective juror must be released entirely
or rescheduled if the juror is required to appear in court on a
religious holy day that is observed by the juror. You need to contact
the Judge or the court to be excused on this basis.
To read more about jury service in Texas, click here for information from the Office of Court Administration and the Texas Judicial Council.