How to Prepare for Jury Duty in Lancaster County, Nebraska

Serving on a jury is a civic duty that may be required of any registered voter. It is often inconvenient, because you are taken away from your job or daily routine with no real idea of how long the interruption will last. But it can also be rewarding, interesting, and a way to meet other people.

I've served on two different juries myself in Lancaster County, Nebraska and can offer some advice on how to prepare for the experience.

Pack Light

You may be asked to wait quite a bit at the beginning, because it can take time to gather the judge and the attorneys involved in the case together. It is a good idea to take along a book, crossword puzzle, or some other quiet way to help you pass the time. Don't carry too much with you, though, because if you are selected for the jury panel, you will have to move several times and you will want to keep your things with you.

Also remember that the county courthouse has a security system in place. You will need to empty your pockets and pass through a metal detector every time you enter the building. It will make this process simpler if you avoid carrying too much loose change or other items that might set off the metal detector. You may also have to pass your purse, backpack, or even your coat through an X-ray scanner. Whatever you are carrying will be subject to search, so be sure you are not carrying anything that could be considered a weapon or anything you'd be embarrassed to have someone find.

Dress Comfortably

A courtroom is a formal setting, and everyone involved in the trial is sure to be well-dressed. No jacket or tie is required in the jury box, however. Your choice of clothing should be respectful, but feel free to dress comfortably. The un-padded wooden seats in the courtroom will provide all the discomfort you'll need.

Prepare to Be Cut Off

Most judges do not allow cell phones to be used during their proceedings. Breaking this rule may result in your cell phone being confiscated. If you can get by without your phone, it is best to turn it off. If you feel you must leave it on, turn the master volume to silent so that it will not disturb the trial.

If you are seated on the jury, your cell phone will be confiscated during your deliberations. This is to ensure that you make a decision without interference from the outside world. Be sure to let your work, spouse, or others know that there will be a time when they won't be able to reach you under any circumstance.

Know Where to Eat

You will be expected to provide your own meal if the trial goes over the lunch hour. The courthouse does not have a cafeteria, so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with places to eat that are not far away. Depending on the judge and how the trial is going, you may not be given much time to eat and return to the courthouse.

Be Friendly and Respectful

If you are seated on a jury, you will be required to come to a unanimous decision with several other people you have never met before. The other jurors are likely to represent a variety of backgrounds and social groups. Remember that you are all in the same situation for the duration of the trial and be respectful to the others in the jury. More than that be as friendly as possible. It will help keep tensions to a minimum and you may even make a new acquaintance or two that you will want to keep up after the trial is over.

Very few people look forward to serving on a jury, but it is a responsibility we all share. With a little preparation and a positive outlook, it can be a very rewarding experience.