05/29/2026
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has been serving JUROR SUMMONS this week for a trial we have scheduled for June 1, 2026. If you received a subpoena, we look forward to seeing you on Monday!
Aside from military service, jury service is perhaps the most important honor and responsibility for a citizen to actively participate in our form of government. The Court appreciates those who had to re-arranged any plans to appear for trial, and apologizes for this inconvenience. Our system of justice as outlined in the founding documents of our nation and state could not function without honest and able citizens willing to sacrifice a bit of their time and effort to serve as a juror to their peers. This is the American Way of truly reserving the power to the people.
It is the “people” - and only the people, who may convict a fellow citizen of a crime. Not the Judge, not the Prosecutor, not the Sheriff, not the Governor, not the President, not the King. Only a Jury of Peers.
Very few people are “excited” to learn they have been summoned to jury duty, but most who serve find it a rewarding experience they are glad they did.
In order to qualify for jury service, you must be a citizen of the United States residing in Scott County, over 18 years of age, and able to read and write in English. You cannot serve on a criminal jury trial if you are an active law enforcement officer or if you are currently on probation, parole, or incarcerated, but a prior conviction does not per se disqualify a person from service.
If a physical or mental disability may prevent you from serving as a juror, you may submit a letter of diagnosis from your physician outlining your condition and the hardship it poses for the Court to consider. Deferrals or disqualifications for disability are addressed on a case-by-case basis, and it is the JUDGE who decides – the Physician’s information is important but it is not the final answer. Most disabilities, including hearing disabilities, can be accommodated. We have an EMT in the courtroom at all times during Jury Selection, and we take frequent breaks.
If you have pre-made travel plans that affect your ability to serve on the specific dates you have been called, you may submit proof of these plans and request a brief DEFERRAL of your service. Deferral requests are addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Work and/or lack of child care are generally NOT an acceptable excuse from Jury Duty.
We encourage you to bring any other concerns about your ability and availability to serve to the Court at the scheduled date and time where they can be discussed with the Judge and attorneys directly to determine whether accommodation in the trial schedule or manner in which the proceeding is conducted might be conducive to allowing you to serve. The jury selection portion of the trial usually lasts no more than one day. Most trials are concluded in a week or less.
You are exempt from Jury Service ONLY IF you are 75 years of age or older or if you have been seated as a Juror in the past 24 months. If you are 75 or older and are called, you MAY serve if you wish but you do not have to.
For more information on Jury Service in Indiana:
https://youtu.be/K7kuMtYPH4k?si=0Yh5yvu5N6f8P8vg
