Jury Service

What should I wear?

The court setting is formal and business or business casual clothing is appropriate. No shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, halters or flip flops are allowed. If you report for jury service wearing any of these items you will be re-scheduled and sent home.

Fort Worth Municipal Court - Courtroom Dress Code

As a general rule, everyone should think of the courtroom as a formal affair.  You should dress as though you are going to a very important job interview.  As such, the following attire is NOT ALLOWED:

• Clothing with vulgar, profane, or obscene messages

• Visible undergarments

• Tank tops, spaghetti straps, etc. (Shoulders must be covered)

• Jeans with holes or cut-outs (including slashes)

• Holes in clothing where skin is visible

• Bare midriff

• Shorts

• Head coverings other than for religious or medical purposes

What kind of cases might I hear?

The types of cases you will hear are class C misdemeanors. Examples of such cases are code violations, speeding tickets, school attendance, disorderly conduct and unrestrained animals.

Can I use my electronics?

Yes. However, all electronics devices must be turned off at all times when jurors are present in the courtroom or jury deliberation room.

Is there security?

There is a metal detector and x-ray machine at the entrance to the court building. Any item building security believes can be used as a weapon will not be allowed.

How long will I be there?

The City of Fort Worth Municipal Court is a one day/one trial system. If you are not selected for jury duty that day, you will be released.

You should plan that jury service will last a full day. If you are seated on the jury there is the potential for you to need to come back the next day. If there is not a trial or you are not selected to be on the jury, you can expect to be dismissed by early afternoon. Only the judge can dismiss you.

Can I request a re-schedule if I have a conflict on the date of the summons?

You may request one reschedule. After that you are required to provide documentation of the necessity of the reschedule.

How can I prove to my employer that I was there?

Upon completion of jury services you will be issued a certificate of service by the court.

A person may not be excused for business or economic reasons unless all parties of record on the case in which the juror is to serve approve such excuse.

Any supporting documentation regarding a request to be excused or disqualified from jury service should be submitted immediately to the Jury Coordinator.

Please see the Sworn Affidavit Form that is part of the summons for the excuses that require supporting documentation. If supporting documentation is not submitted prior to the date on the summons, only the presiding Municipal Court Judge may exempt or excuse you from jury service.