District of Idaho

Welcome to jury service in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.

Jury duty touches the lives of thousands of Idahoans each year. More than 16,000 people are summoned annually and each one has family, friends, employers and co-workers who are affected by their jury service.

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 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.

This site is designed to answer many of these concerns and give you an introduction into your upcoming jury service and the general nature and importance of their role as jurors.

The menu on the left provides links to specific information regarding jury service. We hope you find this helpful.

It's Your Duty and Honor

On behalf of the Court, I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to you as you begin your jury service.

At the Court we know that jury service poses a burden in your already busy lives.  We appreciate the efforts that you, your family, and if applicable, your employer will give in order for you to be on call for jury service.  We understand that managing other life priorities is important but your service is essential to our system of justice. 

We want you to enjoy your experience as a juror. When you complete this service, I hope that you will leave with a greater understanding of the Court's functions. The right to a jury of one's peers is a precious right and all who serve play a very important role.

I am frequently told by jurors that jury service was a very rewarding and educational experience and they would be honored to serve again if given the opportunity.

Every two years, our court randomly selects jurors from a combined listing of active registered voters, and holders of drivers' licenses, and I.D. cards obtained from the State of Idaho.  Our Local Jury Plan establishes how we select grand and petit juries at random from a fair cross section of the community in the district wherein the court convenes.