Jurors are randomly selected by a computer from a combined list of voter registration records, property assessment recordsand driver registrations.

Jurors should make note of the scheduled day to appear and fill out the Confidential

Juror Questionnaire and return it in the provided envelope to the Jury Office.

 Usually a juror is called once every 2-3 years.

 If, for McKean County, you served one day within a one year period of your summons or served at least three days in a three year period, you will be excused if requested.

 Anyone 18 years old or older may be selected.

 Only those who reside within the County can serve as jurors.

 A written request explaining why missing the class would be an extreme inconvenience or undue hardship must be sent to the Jury Commissioners.

 Please answer question 15 on the questionnaire appropriately and also send a written doctor’s note explaining the effects of the medication or medical problem.

 Those on active military duty can be excused.  Please send a written request to the Jury Commission.

 In most cases, the court will do what it can to accommodate you and often permit you to postpone the date. Please send a written request to the Jury Commission.

 An employer may not deprive an employee of his/her employment, or threaten or otherwise coerce a person because you received a summons to serve. Any employer who violates this law is guilty of a summary offense. If they penalize an employee for serving, the employee, within six (6) months, may bring a civil action against the employer to recover lost wages and benefits. The employee also is allowed a reasonable attorney's fee fixed by the Court.  However, this only applies if a retail or service employer has 15 or more employees and if a manufacturing employer has 40 or more employees.

 Check with your employer to make sure they do not pay you while serving. Many unions provide for jury duty pay in their union contract.  However, employers do not have to pay employees for jury duty.  Otherwise, excuses based on financial hardships will be determined on an individual basis.

 Chances are your name was selected from the voters' registration list. The Election Office does not remove names unless you notify them, in writing, that you are no longer a resident. If you send the Jury Commission Office a signed statement that you are no longer a resident and request to have your name removed from the voters' registration list, we will excuse you from jury duty and forward your request to the Election Office. Please include both your old and new address.

 Please contact the Jury Commissioners one week before the scheduled hearing and they will explain the assistance that is available.  The Courthouse is equipped to accommodate those with disabilities.

 You will receive $9 per day for the first three (3) days you report and $25 per day for any days thereafter.  In addition, for those who live outside the Smethport city limits, jurors are compensated for mileage at the rate of 17 cents per mile. You should receive payment by check within 3 to 4 weeks after your service is complete.

 We recommend that you bring something to read.

 Cell phones are not permitted in the Courthouse. If you bring a cell phone into the courthouse you will be required to check it with security. You may bring into the courthouse a reader (Kindle, Nook, Ipad or Tablet).  If your device has a camera or an internet connection you must disable them before using your device.

 You should wear comfortable clothing that reflects respect for the court.  Men should wear a collared shirt and slacks.  Women should wear a loose fitting blouse with pants or a skirt.  Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and sports clothing should not be worn.

It is your responsibility to check on your juror status. Call our office (814-887-3444) for an update. Your request for excusal may have been denied, and therefore, you will need to either report or phone-in as instructed on your summons. Another possibility is your request or our reply may have been lost in the mail.

Call the court directly and inform us of your situation. Do not simply fail to appear as you may be subject to penalties.

 A juror summons is a court order.  Any juror who fails to appear when summoned may be fined or imprisoned for contempt of court.

 Jurors hear either criminal or civil cases. I n criminal cases, a District Attorney or

Attorney General, referred to as the prosecutor, acting on behalf of the citizens of

Pennsylvania prosecutes a case against an individual or an entity accused of a crime. T he person or entity accused of the crime is referred to as the defendant. In civil cases, an individual, entity or governmental agency brings a suit against another individual, entity or governmental agency. The party initiating the lawsuit is referred to as the plaintiff, and the party defending the suit is the defendant.

Jurors are to report at 8:30 AM to Courtroom No. 1, Second Floor, McKean County

Courthouse, 500 West  Main Street, Smethport, PA.  You are required to bring with you your summons and photo identification.  A member of the tip staff will seat you according to your jury number. You will remain seated and await further instruction by the Court.

You may spend some time waiting to be selected as a juror. Such time is not wasted. Your mere presence as a prospective juror in a case may help the Court in settling the case, thus avoiding the need of what might have been a long and costly trial. The lawyers know you are prepared to sit in judgment of the evidence to be presented and render a verdict. The moments just before trial are often the best for the settlement of a case. In a great many instances, the lawyers will retire with the judge to his chambers. There, they will resolve certain factual or procedural matters that have prevented them from agreeing upon a settlement, with the result that a compromise is reached or a guilty plea entered and no trial is required.

The Courthouse has a “no smoking” policy.

After you have received and responded to your summons, the following is the telephone procedure to be followed based upon your service date from your summons. You must call the Jury Information Line: (814)887-3330  after 5:00 p.m. on the business day prior to the date of your service. This tape recorded message indicates whether or not you are required to report the following morning or the next day that court is in session.

Patty Brown

District Court Administrator

(814) 887-5571 ext. 4306

E-mail:click here

Office Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Mon. – Fri.