How much is a juror paid?

Each Juror is paid $40 per day for attendance plus 48.5 cents per mile (round trip), regardless of the mode of transportation.

What is the length of Jury Service - Petit Jury?

One year.

What is the Length of Jury Service - Grand Jury?

One year.

Who is Qualified to Serve as a Juror?

The Court shall deem any person qualified to serve on grand and petit juries in the District Court unless he or she:

        1. Is not a citizen of the United States, is less than eighteen (18) years old, or has not resided within the Judicial District for a period of one (1) year;

        2. Is unable to read, write, and understand the English language with a degree of proficiency sufficient to satisfactorily fill out the juror qualification form;

        3. Is unable to speak the English language;

        4. Is incapable, by reason of mental or physical infirmity, to render satisfactory jury service;

        5. Has a charge pending against him or her for the commission of, or has been convicted in a State, Federal, Territorial, or Commonwealth Court of record, of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and his or her civil rights have not been restored.

Who is Exempt from Jury Service?

1. Members in active service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

2. Members of the fire or police departments of any state, district, territory, possession, or subdivision thereof.

3. Public officers in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of the Government of the United States, or any state, district, territory, or possession, or subdivision thereof, who are actively engaged in the performance of official duties, and who are elected to public office or directly appointed by one elected to public office.

Who may be Excused from Jury Service upon Individual Request?
(You can still choose to serve, even if you fall into one of the following categories)

1. Persons over 70 years of age.

2. Persons who have served as a grand or petit juror in a State, Federal, Territorial, or Commonwealth Court within the last two (2) years.

3. Persons having active care and custody of a child or children under 10 years of age whose health and/or safety would be jeopardized by their absence for jury service; or a person who is essential to the care of aged or infirm persons.

4. Persons actively practicing or engaged full-time as an attorney, physician, dentist, registered nurse, or member of the clergy or a religious order.

5. Any person whose services are so essential to the operation of a business, commercial, or agricultural enterprise that it must close or cease to function if such person were required to perform jury service.

6. Persons who can show "undue hardship or extreme inconvenience" (grave illness in the family or any other emergency which outweighs in immediacy and urgency the obligation to serve as a juror when summoned).

7. Volunteer safety personnel. (Personnel who serve without compensation as fire fighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew for a "public agency".)

Can I request for a Deferral if I am not able to serve?

If you are unable to fulfill your jury service during the scheduled time frame, please immediately contact the Jury Administrator. The Court will attempt to accommodate your deferral request.

Source List: Where does the Court Obtain the Prospective Juror Names?
The names are randomly selected from a Master Jury Wheel (refilled every two years) which is taken from the Territory of Guam's Voter Registration List.

What about Absence from Employment / Certificate of Service?

Your job is protected under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1875.  It is unlawful for any employer to discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate or coerce any permanent employee for attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with jury service. The jury clerks can provide upon request, a certificate showing your attendance for those jurors whose employers require them.

What are the different Trial Types and what is the size of jury for each one?

                    Civil trials: (6 person jury minimum)
                    Criminal trials: (12 person jury plus alternates)

Is there a Dress Code?

Yes, the District Court of Guam has a dress code which is strictly enforced.  Shorts, t-shirts, halter tops, and other brief attire are not permitted to be worn in the courtroom.

Where is the Courthouse located?

The District Court of Guam is located on the 4th floor of the U.S. Courthouse at 520 West Soledad Ave., Hagatna, Guam.

Where do I Park?

There is free parking available at the U.S. Courthouse.

What if I Fail to Appear?

"Any person summoned pursuant to subsection (a) of this section who fails to appear as directed shall be ordered by the District Court forthwith to appear and show cause for his/her failure to comply with the summons. Any person who fails to appear pursuant to such order or who fails to show good cause for noncompliance with the summons may be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned not more than three days or both. Any person who willfully misrepresents a material fact on a juror qualification form for the purpose of avoiding or securing service as a juror may be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned not more than three days or both."

(28 USC §1864 (b))

Remember: Jury service is an obligation and a privilege. Your fellow citizens need your assistance. Most individuals who have actually served on a jury agree that it is a very informative and rewarding experience.

Further Questions: If you have any other questions or concerns please contact Marilyn Alcon, Jury Administrator at (671) 473-9138.