Jury Information
Jury Service
Individuals charged with a crime that carries the possibility of incarceration may request their case be tried by a jury instead of a judge. Enrolled adult members of the Santa Clara Pueblo may be summoned by the Tribal Court for jury service to hear cases, listen to evidence, and return verdicts. Currently, tribal members are summoned on a case-by-case basis, and not for a specific period of time. This is due to the current case volume but could change.
If you receive a summons for jury service, you are required to appear. Jurors are essential to our judicial system, and as a result failure to appear could result in a charge of contempt.
If summoned to appear for jury service, you will be instructed when to appear. Please report to the Tribal Court at the appropriate date and time and check in with the Court Administrator upon arrival. You will be given a juror number and name tag. When the courtroom is open you will be instructed where to sit. The judge will then explain to you your responsibilities as a juror and what you can expect.
Jury service typically begins at 9am and finishes daily by 4pm but check your summons for your case.
Remember to dress appropriately. Shorts, cut off shirts, sleeveless shirts, dirty attire, shirts with inappropriate slogans or images, are prohibited. Gentlemen must remove non-religious head coverings. No one under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances will be admitted to the Courthouse. Smoking and vaping are prohibited.
Jurors are paid for their service at a rate determined by the Santa Clara Pueblo Tribal Council.
How to request a Postponement of, or Excusal from Jury Service
If serving on a jury creates a severe hardship or if you have a previous, significant obligation that would prevent you from serving as a juror for the date and time you have been summoned, you may request an excusal from service or a postponement in writing using this form ( Needs Form Link).
Only the Chief Judge may excuse you from jury service.