DISTRICT COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

OF THE UNITED STATES

January 1, 2003

MEMORANDUM TO JURORS

INTRODUCTION:

On behalf of the Judges of the District Court of the Virgin Islands, WELCOME to Jury Service. The purpose of this Memorandum is to acquaint those jurors, who have never served before, with some of the procedures, duties and amenities of Jury Service. Jury duty could be a very rewarding experience for you, while at the same time fulfilling one of your very important civic responsibilities, you will also be assisting the court with the administration of justice.

JURY PANEL:

You are a member of the “Jury Panel”. . the body of prospective jurors selected by the Jury Administrator for jury service each quarter. The selection is made at random from the “Voter Registration Pool.”

DURATION AND METHOD OF SERVICE:

A panel of jurors is summoned to serve for a period of three (3) months. Jurors are instructed to report the first Monday (or if the Monday is a Federal Holiday, the Tuesday) of the Trial Period for Jury Selection. You will be advised by the Court when the trial period begins and ends. On the first day of the trial period (jurors selected to serve on a particular case) are selected and instructed by the court as to what day that case will actually be tried.

ASSIGNMENT OF IDENTIFYING NUMBERS:

Each juror is assigned a unique number. The number assigned and the juror’s name are placed on a “Master List”. Each juror is given a number plate when the attendance is taken. This number corresponds to your name and number so that the Judge and Lawyer can identify who is addressing the Court by looking at the “Master List.” Be sure you receive the same number each time you report for jury selection.

CODE-A-PHONE:

The Code-A-Phone service is a recording device through which the Court can communicate with jurors. Simply dial (340) 773-6062 (Division of St. Croix) or (340) 774-5916 (Division of St. Thomas) and the court will instruct you when to report for jury duty. There are two (2) critical times when you must remember to call the Code-A-Phone.

            (1) When you are scheduled to report the first day (Monday and Tuesday) of the Trial Period, you must call anytime during the week-end before reporting.

            (2) When you have been selected to serve on a particular case, call the Code-A-Phone the evening before you are scheduled to report.

You may call the Clerk’s Office at (340) 773-1130 (Division of St. Croix) or 774-8310 (Division of St. Thomas) in the event of emergencies due to illness, or non-appearance for jury duty.

                        NEVER LEAVE YOUR HOME BEFORE CALLING THE CODE-A-PHONE!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Jury selection can be a long process. We advise you to have a full breakfast and travel with a snack.

COMPENSATION:

            ALL JURORS INCLUDING POSTAL EMPLOYEES, not including other Federal employees will be paid $40.00 per day. This rate is applicable whether you appear only for one hour or a whole day. Additionally, you are paid 036.0 cents, per mile, estimated from your residence to the court.

            Remember if you fail to call the Code-A-Phone before reporting and you report when you are NOT called, the Court cannot pay you $40.00 for that day.

            The law does not state the private sector must pay their employees while serving on jury duty. Therefore, it is STRONGLY suggested that you contact the personnel section of your employer and find out the policy with regards to payment while on jury service. If for some reason jury duty becomes a hardship such as illness or medical reasons, social or business commitments, previously scheduled vacation or other medical reasons why you need to be excused for a day, week, month, etc., kindly submit a request, in writing, to the court. The court is the only one that can excuse a juror from jury duty. You can also make your request known to the Judge during the jury selection process.

            Once you report for jury duty, before leaving for the day, you may request a “job letter” to be presented to your place of employment showing that you appeared for jury duty. Please make your request to the CLERK’S OFFICE.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

            The court will soon be asking you a series of questions. This process is called voir dire. Kindly, raise your card with the number side showing, in the event you are answering a question. STAND while responding to the question and speak in a loud clear voice. You may request to make your responses at the side bar.

AGAIN, WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT COURT!