city of greenville sc
Jury Duty in Municipal Court
Jurors for Greenville Municipal Court are randomly selected from a database that
contains information from the South Carolina Election Commission and the South
Carolina Highway Department.
If you are selected for a specific jury trial term, you will receive a
Municipal
Court Juror Response Form and a self-addressed envelope in the mail. The Juror
Response Form must be completed and returned to Municipal Court.
Juror Disqualification Criteria
An individual fitting any one of the following categories is disqualified from
serving as a Municipal Court juror:
- You are not a U.S. citizen
- You are not a resident of the city of Greenville
- You cannot read, write, speak or understand English
- You have less than a 6th grade education
- You have a mental/physical condition that prevents you from serving
- You are a convicted felon
- You work in a court capacity
- You have served on a Greenville Municipal Court jury within the same calendar
year
Juror Exempt Criteria
An individual fitting any one of the following categories is exempt from serving
as a Municipal Court juror:
- You are 65+ years or older and wish to be excused
- You are the primary caregiver of a disabled person or person 65+ years or older
who cannot care for themselves
- You have legal custody and duty of care of a child under the age of 7
- You served on a Greenville Municipal Court jury during the previous year
An affidavit (notarized statement) must be submitted attesting to the above
statements.
Juror Transfer Criteria
An individual will be transferred to a future jury trial session if [s]he is a
student or school employee.
An affidavit (notarized statement) must be submitted attesting to the above
statements.
Terms of Service
Jury trials are scheduled Monday through Thursday of the designated jury trial
week and as a juror, you must report on the Monday of the scheduled jury trial
week. Failure to appear or notify the court may result in your being fined $500
for contempt of court.
As a juror, you will be acting as an officer of the court. Jury panels are made
up of six jurors and the jury is charged with listening to the facts of a case
and determining whether an individual is guilty or not guilty.
Jurors will receive $5 per day, regardless of whether chosen to sit on a jury.
Payment is mailed to
the address on your summons and you should receive it within 45 days of your
service.
Reporting for Jury Duty
Please arrive promptly and please do not bring beverages, children, relatives or
friends with you on the day you report for jury duty.
Upon arrival you will be shown to a courtroom separate from all other case
parties attending jury trials. It is important that you DO NOT speak with any
case party – even if it is a relative.
When the clerk calls your name, you should be prepared to stand and state your
name and occupation. At that time, the judge may ask questions to determine your
qualification to serve.
If you are dismissed or told to report the following day, be sure to you know
when and where you are to report.
Each morning, roll will be taken to record your presence.
Parking/Court Access
Jurors should park in the Municipal Court lot on Academy Street (HWY 123).
Jurors will receive parking passes upon their arrival at the courthouse.
Greenville Municipal Court is committed to providing accommodations pursuant to
the Americans with Disabilities (ADA). If you have any special needs or
accommodations, please contact the Municipal Court at 864-467-6650, prior to
the date you are summoned to appear.
Security
Everyone who enters the Municipal Court building must pass through a metal
detector and may be subject to search. Purses, briefcases and the like will be
searched as well. Weapons, which include everything from pocket knives to
personal protection devices, are strictly prohibited in the Municipal Court.
Cell Phones/Communication Devices
All cell phones and/or other communication devices should be turned off, or in
silent mode prior to entering the courtroom(s). Court security officers have
been instructed to confiscate any device making noise in the courtroom.
Further Information
If you need more information or wish to discuss your status for jury service,
please call the Deputy Clerk at 864-467-6638. Each summoned juror will receive
a Juror Handbook during roll call on his or her first day of service. You can
also click here to download a copy of the handbook.