The process of jury selection actually begins long before anyone serves on a jury. Every four years — coinciding with presidential election terms — the Alabama Middle District creates a master "jury wheel" that includes the names of approximately 112,000 people who live in the 23 counties that make up our district.
Of those individuals, approximately 65,000 are selected from this "jury wheel" to receive a questionnaire that they are required to complete and return. Through that process, the Clerk's Office will identify 25,000–30,000 qualified individuals who may be summoned for jury duty as needed during the four-year period.
Random Grand and Petit Juror selection
For more details on how Jurors are randomly selected by Alabama Middle District, we have an official plan you can download.
When jury trials are scheduled, the Clerk's Office begins summoning a jury pool — a sizeable group of people from whom a judge and attorneys can select jurors to give their case a fair hearing.
When you are summoned to jury service in the Middle District of Alabama, you will receive a "summons package" addressed to you by name that provides instructions for your service. This package includes a questionnaire that you must complete and return. Unless you present a valid reason to be excused from service, you will become part of a jury panel.
Questions? Contact the Jury Administrator.
Jurors perform a vital role in the American system of justice. By serving, you help ensure that all persons in federal court are afforded their constitutional right to have their case heard by a jury of their peers. Only by having citizens like yourself participate in the process can this fundamental right be upheld.