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Resources for Jurors

About the Jury Duty Process

"Jury service plays an essential role in our system of justice — the right to a trial by a jury made up of persons representing a fair cross-section of the community. Along with our voting privilege, jury service is one of the most important duties of citizenship, and one we hope you will accept with pride." - STEVEN JENSEN, South Dakota Chief Justice

Qualifications for Jury Duty

All citizens of South Dakota are eligible to serve as jurors if they are:

  • County residents
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Of sound mind
  • Able to read, write, and understand the English language

Convicted felons whose civil rights have not been restored and penitentiary employees are not eligible to serve as jurors. Clergy may be exempt from jury service when it conflicts with their religious beliefs.

Find a South Dakota Court

If you are summoned as a juror, you must report to court at the time and destination provided on the Jury Summons report received by mail. Not sure where to go? Find your court information here.

Find a Court

Frequently Asked Questions

Have some questions about serving on a jury in South Dakota? Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs) here.

Register & Access Details Online View the Jurors Handbook

  • Option 1: Complete the paper form and return to the clerk of courts office as instructed.
  • Option 2: Complete online form electronically on the UJS Jurors website https://ujsjurors.sd.gov.

Register Online

On your Juror Summons under Website Information, find the following information:

Website Information

ujsjurors.sd.gov

Juror Number: 000000000

Security Code: XXXXX

Not both. You must complete one or the other.

Based on Statutes 16-13-41.1 and 16-13-41.2: No employer may discharge or suspend any employee for serving as a juror; any employee serving as a juror shall retain and be entitled to the same job status, pay, and seniority as he/she had prior to serving as a juror. However, the employer has discretion as to whether absence for jury duty is with or without pay. Jurors may obtain a certificate of attendance from the clerk's office in the courthouse. 

  • Each juror will be paid $10.00 for each day they report to the courthouse for jury service, or $50.00 for each day they are selected to hear a case, plus $0.67 per mile, round trip mileage from their residence to the courthouse.
  • Fees are determined by statute: 16-13-46 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age to serve.
  • Any person 80 years of age or older may request to be excused for age.

  • Unavailable dates can be entered within the online questionnaire form or you may contact your local clerk of courts office to advise of dates you are unavailable.
  • You may be asked to provide written verification.

  • Criminal cases involve violations of law for which a defendant may be fined or imprisoned, if found guilty.
  • Civil cases are disputes between parties involving personal or property rights.
  • More information in the Juror Handbook on page 2.

Contact your local clerk of courts office.

Find Your County Court Information

Any person wishing to be excused from jury service must submit a written request to the clerk of courts office for review by the court. You must receive permission from the presiding judge of the court to be excused. Jury service is both a duty and a privilege. 

Any person who is summoned to appear as a juror and who fails to appear is guilty of contempt of court and may be fined, or imprisoned in the county jail, or both.

To keep your juror information secure and allow access to your Juror Portal that displays the status of your juror record, panel (if any), term of service, date/time you submitted your questionnaire, date/time clerk’s office accepted it, and any messages that have been sent out to your panel through email and/or text notification.

Additional Links for Jurors