City of Edmonds - Washington

Your job as a juror is to listen to all the evidence presented at trial. The judge's job is to make decisions on legal issues that come up during the trial. All must do their job well if our system of trial by jury is to work.

You do not need special knowledge or ability. It is enough that you keep an open mind, use common sense, concentrate on the evidence presented, and be fair and honest in your deliberations. Do not be influenced by sympathy or prejudice — it is vital that you be impartial with regard to all testimony presented.

Come inside the courthouse and follow the signage to avoid a long line at juror check-in.

Always call the juror hotline at 425-771-0210 after 5:00 PM on the Wednesday before your report date for the status of trial and any additional directions.

Your name was selected at random from voter registration and driver's license and "identicard" records. Your answers to the juror questionnaire were then evaluated to confirm your eligibility.

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen, a resident of the county in which you are to serve, and able to communicate in English. Individuals may be excused if they have illnesses that would interfere with their ability to serve, would suffer significant hardship, or have other legitimate reasons.

In the courtroom, the judge will tell you about the case and introduce the lawyers and others involved. You will take an oath promising to answer all questions truthfully.

The judge and lawyers will then question you and other panel members to find out if you have any knowledge about the case, personal interest in it, or feelings that might make it difficult to be impartial. This process is called voir dire, meaning "to speak the truth."

Some questions may seem personal — answer them completely and honestly. If you are uncomfortable, tell the judge and they may ask privately.

How many days and hours you serve depends on the case. The judge may vary daily working hours to accommodate witnesses with special travel or schedule needs.

You may be struck by how much waiting is involved — before you are placed on a jury, or during trial while the judge and lawyers address legal questions. Judges and court staff will do everything they can to minimize waiting.

Usually, yes. In extremely rare cases, you may be "sequestered" during trial or deliberations to ensure jurors do not encounter information about the case outside of court.

Yes. Sometimes parties settle their differences just before trial is scheduled to begin. In those instances, you will be excused with the thanks of the court.

Dress comfortably. Formal wear is not required, but beach wear, shorts, halter tops, and tank tops are not appropriate. You may bring a personal lap blanket or shawl as the courtroom is kept cool. Hats are prohibited unless worn for religious purposes.

You may bring a personal drinking container with a lid or thermos. The court provides a communal coffee, tea, and water station. You will be released during lunch unless deliberations are underway — feel free to bring your own. Veterans' Plaza in front of the courthouse is a great spot to eat outside, and many restaurants are within walking distance.

Feel free to bring a laptop, tablet, or book — WiFi is available. Please bring earphones if you plan to listen to audio so as not to disturb fellow jurors.

Judges and court employees are committed to making jury service accessible to everyone. Every attempt will be made to accommodate all jurors. If you have a hearing, sight, or mobility need, please ask a court staff member for assistance.

Washington law requires employers to provide employees with sufficient leave when summoned for jury duty, and prohibits employers from threatening, coercing, or retaliating against employees for serving.

However, the law does not require your employer to pay you while you serve.

Because your absence could delay a trial, it is important that you report each day you are required to. If a real emergency occurs — a sudden illness, accident, or death in the family — notify court staff immediately so the trial can be scheduled around you.

In Edmonds Municipal Court you will hear criminal cases. A criminal case is brought by the City against one or more persons accused of committing a crime. The City is the plaintiff and the accused person is the defendant.

Events in a trial usually happen in a particular order, though the judge may vary this. Here is the typical sequence:

1. Selection of the jury
2. Opening statements
3. Presentation of evidence
4. Jury instructions
5. Closing arguments
6. Jury deliberations
7. Announcement of the verdict