A jury of peers is one of the cornerstones of our judicial system. The right to trial by jury was guaranteed by our country’s founding forefathers so that all final decisions of disputes involving liberty or property rest with citizens like you rather than a government official. As a juror, you will be fulfilling one of your highest responsibilities of citizenship under our Constitution and laws. Protection of our rights and liberty is achieved in large part through the teamwork of the judge and jury, who work together to practice the principles of our great heritage. Judges decide all issues of law and give jurors instructions as to the law applicable in the case. It’s your job to determine the facts of the case by actively listening to all the evidence and by determining the weight and credibility to be given to each of the witnesses’ testimony.

You now have a direct hand in the administration of justice. Without you, the jury system cannot work the way the authors of our Constitution wanted. You don’t need any special skills or legal knowledge to be a juror. You do need to keep an open mind and be willing to make decisions free of your personal feelings and biases.

We understand that your time is valuable, and we will make every effort not to waste your time. If you are over the age of sixty-five (65), you may claim your age as an excuse. We ask that you please email or call the Circuit Clerk to be excused. If you have a medical excuse or work-related excuse or cannot serve at this time, please email the Circuit Clerk at jury@co.forrest.ms.us The Circuit Clerk’s office will email you and let you know if you are excused. You may also mail your excuse in writing to the address below. If you have any questions, you may call the Circuit Clerk’s office at 601-582-3213.

Thank you for your willingness to serve.

Gwen Wilks, Forrest County Circuit Clerk

Attn: Jury Duty

P. O. Box 992

Hattiesburg, MS 39403