PETIT JUROR INFORMATION GUIDE

     Welcome to the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Your term of jury service is determined by the court. During your term of service we ask that you use good judgment in attire (no shorts, tank tops, torn jeans, etc.) and observe the rules of etiquette in the courtroom.

     As a federal juror you will receive $40.00 for each day in attendance and $.375 per mile round trip from your home to the Penn Traffic Building. You will be paid by check out of our Pittsburgh. Juror payments are issued twice per month (see payment schedule included with summons information). Jurors staying in hotels due to lengthy commuting distance between their residence and the courthouse will receive an additional $86.00 per day subsistence. Jurors staying with friends or relatives will receive $38.00 per day subsistence. Hotel receipts are required as proof of stay.*

     While summoned for a two, three, or four week trial term, this does not mean that you will be serving every day for that period of time. What it does mean is that you are ON CALL to report (using the Code A Phone message retrieval system) when needed during that period of time. Please advise your employer of this fact. After jury selection is completed for a particular trial or trials only those people selected will report each day until completion of that particular trial. Those people not selected will be given instructions as to what to do for the remainder of the term. You will not be paid for those days you are not in attendance at the courthouse. If you appear for jury duty service without calling for instructions you will not be authorized to collect any juror fees.

     Jurors are encouraged to bring a book, magazine, needlework, cards, etc., to help pass the time in the jury assembly room. However, you cannot take these items with you into the courtroom. No one except the juror themselves is permitted in the jury assembly room. Coffee and tea are available, however, there are no vending machines, so if you wish to bring a beverage and/or a small snack you are permitted to do so. A small refrigerator is available for your use. Food and drink are not permitted in the courtroom. Cameras, radios, walkmans, laptop computers, cellular phones, firearms, mace, pocket knives, etc. are not permitted in the courthouse.

     Protection of a jurors employment is provided under 28 U.S.C. 1875 (a), "No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee's jury service or attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States".

     The court trusts that your experience will be pleasant, rewarding, and memorable. If you have any questions please call the Clerk of Court's Office, Johnstown Division at (814) 533-4504.

*You must live 60 or more miles away (one way) from the Courthouse to qualify for subsistence. It is the jurors’ responsibility to make hotel arrangements.

Log on to www.pawd.uscourts.gov for general information about the Western District of PA or www.fjc.gov, Educational Programs and Materials, to find out more about Federal Court and Jury Service.

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