Jury Duty in Louisiana: Exactly How Often Can You Be Summoned?

It was only a couple of years ago when I was summoned for jury duty in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, so imagine my surprise when I discover that my name has once again been selected.

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While I really don't have an issue at serving since I honestly believe it's my civic responsibility, I really wonder how this has happened.

It's my second time to be called to serve and yet, my wife, who lives in the same house I do, has never been called once.

Truth be told, I think I would actually enjoy sitting on a jury of a high-profile case that really might make a difference in the lives of Bossier Parish residents, but the likelihood of me making the final selection from potential jurors is extremely low.

Considering my profession, I really don't see the attorneys seriously considering me to be an unbiased juror, however willing I might be to serve.

Nonetheless, my wife, who would probably make the perfect juror, has yet to be called. It just made me wonder about the process for jury selection, so I did a little digging and here's what I found.

According to bossierclerk.com, Petit and Grand jury are handled a little differently than that of civil. Petit juries are picked on an as need basis. These Jurors are also randomly selected by the computer system.  Grand jurors are picked twice a year and serve 6 month terms. They are selected in the months of January and July.

Five Qualifications For Potential Jurors to Serve in Bossier Parish

• Be a citizen of the United States and of Louisiana who has resided in Bossier Parish for at least one year immediately preceding jury service.
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to read, write, speak the English language and, possess sufficient knowledge of the language
• Not be under interdiction or incapable of serving as a juror because of a mental or physical infirmity. (A written medical excuse from your doctor is required)
• Not be under indictment, incarcerated under an order of imprisonment, or on probation or parole for a felony case within the five-year period immediately preceding the person's jury service.

And just how often can a Bossier Parish citizen who meets all the requirements listed above actually be summoned for duty? The Clerk of Court's office writes that, potential jurors can be exempted if they have performed Jury Service in the Twenty-Sixth Judicial Court within the last two years of the upcoming reporting date.

So, ultimately, a person could legally be called every couple of years. However, for those 70 years of age or older, an exemption can also be claimed based on their age.