Contacting the Madison County Jury Commission:

How can I reach the Madison County Jury Commission?
The Madison County Jury Commission office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m until 4:00 p.m. lunch 12:00 p.m -1:00 p.m, closed all legal holidays. The Jury Commission office phone number is 618-296-4599. The Assembly room for jurors is located in the basement of the Madison County Courthouse. The Juror Information Management System phone number is 618-296-6610.

Madison County Courthouse
Madison County Jury Commission
155 North Main Street, Suite 6 Lower Level
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Jury Selection:

How does the Jury Commission obtain names of prospective jurors?

The list of names that is used for jury service is created by a combined list of drivers/voters/ identification card and Illinois disabled person ID cardholders of Madison County. Names are randomly selected from the master list.

I can no longer fulfill my duties as a juror. I would like your office to remove my name from your records.
Under no circumstances is the Jury Commission allowed to remove an individuals name. If you feel you are not qualified you may wish to call the Jury Commission to request an excuse.

I am not a resident of Madison County or a citizen of the United States, may I serve?
No. You must be a Madison County resident to serve as a juror in Madison County. The law automatically disqualifies residents that are non citizens.

Jury Service:

Why is jury service important?
The United States Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin or economic status the right to trial by an impartial jury of one's peers. In order to uphold this guarantee, we need those summoned to participate in the jury process to ensure every citizen's right to have their case decided by an impartial jury selected from a representative pool of prospective jurors.

Who is entitled to a jury trial?
Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party in a civil case has the right to a trial by jury. All parties are equal before the law and each is given the same fair and impartial treatment.

What are my duties as a juror?
Your duty as a juror is to weigh all of the evidence and testimony presented to you and to decide the outcome of the case based upon the law and the evidence. Your decision must be fair, impartial and free of any bias or prejudice. Jury service is the basis of our judicial system and is essential to the administration of justice.

How are jurors selected for a trial?
After your panel is selected and reports to a courtroom, a process known as voir dire begins. During voir dire, the judge and possibly the attorneys will ask you questions to see if you can keep an open mind and be fair. After you have been questioned, you will either be selected or excused from that particular case. If you are selected, you and the other selected jurors will receive instructions from the judge. If you are not selected, you will return to the jury room and may be sent to another courtroom.

How long does jury service usually last if I am a selected juror?
There is no set period of time. Most jury service is completed in a week, but some trials may last longer.

What type of trials may I be selected to serve on as a juror?
There are basically two types of jury trials, criminal and civil. In a Criminal trial, the jury decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. In a Civil trial, the jury decides whether any monetary damages should be awarded.

Is jury service mandatory?
The United States Constitution and the Illinois State Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury. Failure to respond to a jury summons may subject you to penalties provided by law. All Madison County residents are obligated by state law to serve as a juror unless they are:

  • Not a United States citizen
  • Not a resident of Madison County, Illinois
  • Not 18 years of age or older

What is the proper dress attire for jury service?
Jurors should dress comfortably, but properly for a courtroom.

What am I allowed to bring to jury service?
Jury service can require a potential juror to wait a considerable length of time. For this reason, you may want to bring reading material or office work. When it is lunch time you may dine at one of the many restaurants in the downtown area. Jurors my NOT bring: Cell phones, all electronic devices, lighters, matches, drinks, including bottled water and food. These items are NOT allowed in the Courthouse; please leave them at home or in your vehicle.

May someone attend jury service with me?
No. Only those summoned for jury service are allowed in the jury assembly room. You may have someone escort you to and from jury service, but that person is not allowed to enter the jury assembly room. The jury assembly room is for prospective jurors ONLY.

When can the jurors expect to be released for the day?
Jurors will be dismissed after all court orders have been filled.

What happens if you fail to appear for jury service?
Failure to appear for jury service when summoned is a serious matter. You may be held in contempt of court and could be fined. It is in your best interest to appear if you are summoned to avoid any further court action.

Are vending machines, public telephones and restroom facilities located in or near the jury assembly room?
Yes, there are vending machines located right outside the jury assembly room. There are no public telephones in the courthouse. NO electronic devices, including cell phones are allowed in the courthouse. All restrooms are located within walking distance of the jury assembly room.

How can my family reach me in an emergency?
They can call 618-296-4576.

Parking:

Free parking for jurors is located in the Madison County parking lot. Entrance to the parking lot is located on North Second Street which is behind the Courthouse and Administration Building. North Second Street is accessible from St. Louis Street.

Work Issues:

Are employers required to pay employees while on jury service?
No. An employer is NOT required by law to pay employees who are on jury service. However, many employers do. You need to check with your company's human resources department before serving to see if your company pays your salary for days you are a juror. If you DO receive your salary, your company may require a letter of attendance from the Jury Commission. These letters will either be mailed to your home or faxed to your workplace.

How soon after jury service will I receive my juror pay?
Jurors will be paid $25.00 for the first day of attendance and $50.00 each day thereafter. Payment is mailed to your home ten to fourteen working days after the completion of your jury service.

Does my employer have the right to terminate or penalize me for performing my American right as a juror?
No. Illinois law prohibits an employer from terminating or otherwise penalizing an employee because the employee serves as a juror.

Excuse from Service:

May I request an excuse from jury service?
A prospective juror may be excused if he/she: has a physical or mental disability that would prevent him/her from serving. The prospective juror may be required to provide a doctor's note verifying their disablility. Is the sole care giver for another and alternate arrangements are not feasible. Is unable to read and or understand the English language. A member of the active military service. Each request is individually reviewed. Potential jurors are encouraged to express their request truthfully and to the best of their knowledge. Failure to do so is against the law. Jury service is a citizen's civic duty and responsibility.

I am unable to judge anyone because of my moral or religious beliefs. May I be excused?
Illinois law does not provide for an excuse from jury service for moral or religious beliefs. You are still required to appear for jury service. During the voir dire, the trial judge will decide.

I know that I will not be selected to be on a jury because of my career, my relatives and or my friends. May I be excused?
You are still required to report for jury service. A trial judge will decide if you should be excused.

Postponement:

Is postponement of jury service an option?
The Jury Commission realizes prospective jurors may have been summoned at an inconvenient time. Our office is willing to defer service to a more convenient time in most instances. Jurors may request a Onetime postponement after being summoned. Subsequent postponements are not allowed unless it is an extreme emergency that was not anticipated when the original summons was sent.

Hopefully, we have been able to provide you with the information that you have needed. However, if you feel your individual question has not been addressed call the Madison County Jury Commission for further assistance at 618-296-4599.