Jury Duty – Jury Selection Criteria

Thomas Jefferson once said “I consider trial by jury as the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.”

Jurors perform a vital role in the American system of justice. The protection of our rights and liberties is largely achieved through the teamwork of judge and jury who, working together in a common effort, put into practice the principles of our great heritage of freedom. The judge determines the law to be applied in the case while the jury decides the facts. Thus, in a very important way, jurors become a part of the court itself.

Jurors must be men and women possessed of sound judgment, absolute honesty, and a complete sense of fairness. Jury service is a high duty of citizenship. Jurors aid in the maintenance of law and order and uphold justice among their fellow citizens. Their greatest reward is the knowledge that they have discharged this duty faithfully, honorably, and well. In addition to determining and adjusting property rights, jurors may also be asked to decide questions involving a crime for which a person may be fined, placed on probation, or confined in prison. In a very real sense, therefore, the people must rely upon jurors for the protection of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Residency: To serve as a juror for Peach County, you must reside in the county. If you no longer live in Peach County, please so state on the affidavit included in your summons, have it notarized and return it promptly to the Clerk’s Office.

 Citizenship: To serve as a juror for Peach County, you must be a citizen of the United States. If you are not a citizen, please so state on the affidavit included in your summons, have it notarized and return it promptly to the Clerk’s Office.

 Age: If you are 70 years of age or older and do not wish to serve, please so state on the affidavit included in your summons, have it notarized and return it promptly to the Clerk’s Office.

Medical / Physical: If you are claiming a medical and /or physical problem, a medical excuse must be provided to the Clerk’s Office. For minor or temporary problems, you may ask to be deferred to a later date. In either case, you must state the request on your affidavit, have it notarized and return it promptly to the clerk’s Office.

Full time students: If you are a full-time student, and your school is in session during the week you are called for, please so state on the affidavit included in your summons, have it notarized and return it promptly to the Clerk’s Office.

Children Under the Age of Six Years: If you normally stay home during the day with a child six years of age or less, please so state on the affidavit included in your summons, have it notarized and return it promptly to the Clerk’s Office.

Home Schooling: If you home school your children, please so state on the affidavit included in your summons, have it notarized and return it promptly to the Clerk’s Office.

Active Duty Military: If you are currently on active duty military, please so state on the affidavit included in your summons, have it notarized and return it promptly to the Clerk’s Office.

Further information regarding Jury Service can be found in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, beginning with Section 15-12-1.