Jury Qualification

The following regulations relate to jury qualification as specified under the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA). Please note that failure to comply with summons will result in a show cause order being issued and served.

• TCA 22-1-101: It is the policy of this state that all qualified citizens have an obligation to serve on petit juries or grand juries when summoned by the courts of this state, unless excused. If you are 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the U.S., and have been a resident of Shelby County for the past 12 months you are qualified to act as a grand or petit juror, unless otherwise incompetent under TCA 22-1-102. If you are not qualified because of age or residency, a copy of driver license may be faxed to (901) 222-1651. If you are not a citizen, fax a copy of your visa, green card, or permanent resident card.
• TCA 22-1-102: If you have been convicted of a felony or other infamous offenses, or if you have been convicted of perjury or subornation of perjury, you cannot act as a grand or petit juror. Documentation may be faxed to (901)222-1651.
• TCA 22-1-103 (a): A juror may be excused from serving if prospective juror has a mental or physical condition that may cause one to be incapable of performing jury service. The juror must provide the court with documentation from a physician licensed to practice medicine, verifying the person is unfit for jury service. Documentation may be faxed to (901) 222-1651.

Verification Documentation

• A juror may be excused from serving upon showing to the court that juror’s service will constitute an undue or extreme physical or financial hardship to the prospective juror or a person under the prospective juror’s care. To be excused under this section, you must appear and submit documents such as tax returns, medical statements, proof of dependency or guardianship, or other documentation that may assist the judge in making a decision.

For Additional Information

For further information about jury qualifications or for Americans with Disabilities (ADA) accommodations, call (901) 222-1650. Do not email questions of an urgent nature, for a prompt response, please call the Jury Commission.