Jury Service

Tennessee Code lists requirements for jurors as United States citizenship, residency in Roane County for twelve months preceding the call for jury service and 18 years of age or older. The Tennessee Legislature amended jury service requirements January 1, 2009. Reasons for exemption from jury service are now very stringent but not difficult if the instructions on the summons are followed. The Deputy Jury Coordinator has the authority to excuse a person from jury service prior to their reporting for orientation based on the following reasons: those who are convicted felons, no longer reside in Roane County, have a medical condition that prevents them from serving, self employed or paid commission only, or served on a jury in the last two years are exempt with the receipt of the appropriate paperwork. The Judge of the court may also excuse a juror from jury service on the day of orientation. It is unlikely that the Deputy Jury Coordinator will excuse a juror from service on the day of orientation if the appropriate paperwork has not been received in advance. Requests for exemption for other issues such as medical excuses, financial hardship information or other documents concerning jury service can be faxed to (865) 717-4141.

Current Jurors should call the Juror Information Line for information about scheduled trials for the current term of Court. (865) 376-4458.  Please remember it is important to know your assigned Jury Panel number when calling the information line. Citizens may receive by mail a summons for jury service in the Circuit or Criminal Courts. These prospective jurors are drawn from a current list of Roane County drivers provided by the Tennessee Department of Safety.