
Grand Juror Information and Instructions
The Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court, the Sabine Parish Clerk of Court, and members of their staff welcome
you as a member of the grand jury venire and fellow participant in the administration of justice. A petit jury, or
trial jury, hears and decides a case and renders a verdict. A grand jury, on the other hand, has a different function.
A grand jury is asked to decide only whether there is enough evidence to cause a person to be brought to trial for a
crime. The grand jury hears only one side of the case—the government's—and it does not render a verdict. Its
decision is an indictment, which is merely an accusation, or a decision that the person in question should stand
trial to determine his/her innocence or guilt.
A note on communication: Louisiana law bars court personnel from having any personal conversations with prospective or seated jurors—not even casual small talk—so that the jury remains completely independent. If a clerk or bailiff seems reserved, please know they are simply following these rules and respecting your impartial role. The Court and its staff are truly grateful for your time and civic service.
Step 1: Make Arrangements to Serve
The summons you have received is a Court Order for you to appear at the Sabine Parish Courthouse in Many, Louisiana, for selection of the grand jury. In some circumstances, you could be arrested and placed in jail for your failure to appear. You are urged to take all steps necessary, including arranging alternative care for children or requesting time off work, to ensure that you can appear in court on the date and time for which you are summoned. The grand jury selection process takes place on the first day of the term. Your service is expected on that day unless you have been excused by the Court. If selected as a member of the grand jury, you will meet in secret and only as necessary to consider cases. The grand jury term lasts approximately 6 months, but most grand juries only meet a few times during that period. Even then, the meetings are scheduled in advance with consideration given to the schedule and availability of the grand jury members. Keep in mind, though, that at this point you have not yet been selected to be a part of the grand jury.
Step 2: Complete and Return the Jury Questionnaire
You must complete the questionnaire and submit it to the Court within 7 days of receiving your summons.
If you are requesting to be excused from service based upon one of the approved legal grounds you must complete the questionnaire and submit it, accompanied by supporting documentation, to the Court within 7 days. No late requests will be considered. No request will be considered without supporting documentation.
Step 3: Appear in Court
The courtroom is located on the 2nd floor of the Sabine Parish Courthouse, 400 S. Capitol Street, Many, Louisiana. You must be present in the courtroom, seated, and ready to proceed when court begins. Arrive early to ensure that you have time to park and pass through the security checkpoint. Parking: Parking lots are located behind the courthouse, in front of the District Attorney’s Office, and in front of the library. You may also park along the streets, unless otherwise prohibited. Because parking is limited, it is important that you arrive early.
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Prohibited Items: You are not allowed to enter the courthouse with a purse, bag, box, cell phone, electronic tablet, recording device, chewing gum, lighter, knife or weapon. Please leave these items at home. You will be required to pass through a security checkpoint. Most jurors bring only their keys, coins for the vending machines, and their driver’s license.
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Food & Drinks: Grand jury selection occurs on the first day of service. If selected as a member of the grand jury, you will be given a lunch break. However, we recommend you eat a hearty breakfast or bring coins for the vending machines.
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Attire: Comfortable, business casual attire is recommended. Appropriate clothing, in keeping with the dignity of the court, is required. Do not wear flip-flops, shirts without sleeves, t-shirts, shorts, hats, or sunglasses. A light sweater or jacket is recommended as the temperature fluctuates in the courtroom and grand jury meeting room.
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Compensation: Prospective and seated grand jurors are paid $25.00 per day and 16 cents per mile. Bring your summons with you to court. Upon the conclusion of your service, you will write your mileage and days served on the summons and deliver it to the office of the Clerk of Court, located on the 1 st floor of the Courthouse. The Sabine Parish Police Jury will send your payment via mail.
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Medical: We abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the facilities are readily accessible to persons with disabilities. Contact Bailiff Keith Gentry through the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 256-9241 for advanced accommodation.
Juror Information and Instructions
The judge of the 11th Judicial District Court, the Sabine Parish Clerk of Court, and members of their staff welcome you as a fellow participant in the administration of justice. The American justice system provides that anyone accused is guaranteed the right to a trial by a jury of one’s peers. The court appreciates your participation in this cornerstone of American justice and has listed below instructions designed to make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible. Please read all instructions carefully.
A note on communication: Louisiana law bars court personnel from having any personal conversations with prospective or seated jurors—not even casual small talk—so that the jury remains completely independent. If a clerk or bailiff seems reserved, please know they are simply following these rules and respecting your impartial role. The Court and its staff are truly grateful for your time and civic service.
Step 1: Make Arrangements to Serve
The Jury Summons you have received is a Court Order for you to appear at the Sabine Parish Courthouse in Many,
Louisiana, for jury duty. In some circumstances, you could be arrested and placed in jail for your failure to appear.
You are urged to take all steps necessary, including arranging alternative care for children or requesting time off
work, to ensure that you can appear in court on the dates and times for which you are summoned.
Jury duty lasts for one week. Please prepare accordingly. Multiple cases may be set for trial; therefore, even if you
are not selected as a juror on the first day, you may be instructed to return later in the week for another case.
Step 2: Complete and Return the Jury Questionnaire
You must complete the enclosed questionnaire and submit it to the Court within 7 days.
If you are requesting to be excused from service based upon one of the approved legal grounds, you must complete the questionnaire and submit it, accompanied by supporting documentation, to the Court within 7 days. No late requests will be considered. No request will be considered without supporting documentation.
Step 3: Call or Check Facebook for Updates 24 Hours Before Court
Check for updates, cancellations, or changes to jury duty by calling 318-256-6274 and listening to the recorded message in its entirety or by visiting the Facebook page of the 11th Judicial District Court the day before court. This is very important as some cases are settled before the trial begins.
Step 4: Appear in Court
The courtroom is located on the 2nd floor of the Sabine Parish Courthouse, 400 S. Capitol Street, Many, Louisiana. You must be present in the courtroom, seated, and ready to proceed when court begins. Arrive early to ensure that you have time to park and pass through the security checkpoint.
Parking: Parking lots are located behind the courthouse, in front of the District Attorney’s Office, and in front of the library. You may also park along the streets, unless otherwise prohibited. Because parking is limited, it is important that you arrive early.
Prohibited Items: You are not allowed to enter the courthouse with a purse, bag, box, cell phone, electronic tablet, recording device, chewing gum, lighter, knife or weapon. Please leave these items at home. You will be required to pass through a security checkpoint. Most jurors bring only their keys, coins for the vending machines, and their driver’s license.
Food & Drinks: Jury selection begins on the first day of service. Prospective jurors prefer to save time and work through lunch, taking a short break to eat a snack. Prepare for the first day of service by eating a hearty breakfast, packing lunch to keep in your car, or by bringing coins for the vending machines. If you are selected as a juror, standard meals will be provided to you.
Attire: Comfortable, business casual attire is recommended. Appropriate clothing, in keeping with the dignity of the court, is required. Do not wear flip-flops, shirts without sleeves, t-shirts, shorts, hats, or sunglasses. A light sweater or jacket is recommended as the courtroom temperature fluctuates.
Compensation: Prospective and seated jurors in criminal cases and grand juries are paid $25.00 per day and 16 cents per mile. Prospective and seated jurors in civil cases are paid $50.00 per day and 57 cents per mile. Bring your Jury Summons with you to court. Upon the conclusion of your jury service, you will write your mileage and days served on the Jury Summons and deliver it to the Clerk of Court’s Office on the 1 st floor of the Courthouse. The Sabine Parish Police Jury will send your payment via mail.
Medical: We abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the facilities are readily accessible to persons with disabilities. Contact Bailiff Keith Gentry through the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 256-9241 for advanced accommodation.
Request to be Excused
No requests to be excused can be considered by the Court unless based upon one of the following grounds:
- Failing to meet ALL the following qualifications necessary to serve as a juror:
- Be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Louisiana, and a resident of Sabine Parish for at least one year immediately preceding jury service.
- Be at least eighteen years of age.
- Be able to read, write, and speak the English language and be possessed of sufficient knowledge of the English language.
- Not be under interdiction or incapable of serving as a juror because of a mental or physical infirmity, provided that no person shall be deemed incompetent solely because of the loss of hearing in any degree.
- Not be under indictment, incarcerated under an order of imprisonment, or on probation or parole for a felony offense within the five-year period immediately preceding the person's jury service.
- You are 70 years of age or older and decline to serve as a juror. However, you may elect to serve.
- You have served as grand juror or a juror at a criminal or civil trial and wish to be exempted from jury service. This exemption only applies to those actually selected as a juror at trial or grand jury.
The Court cannot excuse you for any reason other than those listed above. Any other requests to be excused must be addressed in court as part of the jury selection process with all attorneys present. Any request to be excused based on the grounds listed above must be accompanied by supporting documents submitted with your questionnaire within 7 days. Late requests and requests not accompanied by supporting documents will not be considered.
If you have moved from Sabine Parish, you must submit a copy of your driver’s license, voter registration card, and a utility bill in your name, etc.
If you are incapable of serving due to a mental or physical infirmity, you must submit a signed letter from a physician stating that your infirmity renders you incapable of serving. A general letter from a physician stating that you are under his/her care is not sufficient.
If your request is granted, you will receive an excuse from the Court in writing. If you do not receive a written excuse or if your request is denied, you must appear for jury duty.