"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."     President Thomas Jefferson

Welcome!

I know from personal experience that a summons for jury duty raises many concerns about how you will be able to fit the civic obligation of jury duty into your busy life.

Without you, the jury system cannot work the way the authors of the Constitution wanted. Yet jury service means rearranging schedules, canceling appointments, and oftentimes missing work. But if you were on trial, wouldn't you want someone like you to make the sacrifices necessary to be a part of your jury? Your public service as a juror protects our right to have a trial by an impartial jury.

Everyone has questions. "Why must I serve?" "How long must I serve?" “Can I get a postponement?" Who pays the jury fee?" "What should I tell my employer?" "What are my obligations as an employer of a juror?" Some simply ask: "Why me?"

Over and over, jurors who have served tell us they enjoy being involved in making an important civic decision. Often jury service is the most direct participation the average citizen can have in the workings of government.

It is my intent to help you with some of these frequently asked questions by information provided on this web page. Please remember it is not a substitute for the Judge’s instructions but is provided to help you understand Benton County’s procedures. I extend my sincere appreciation for your jury service and trust you will find your experience rewarding.

I thank you in advance for your service to Benton County

Brenda DeShields

Benton County Circuit Clerk