Jury demand. (a) A plaintiff desirous of a trial by jury must file a demand therefor with the clerk at the time the action is commenced. A defendant desirous of a trial by jury must file a demand therefor not later than the filing of his or her answer. Otherwise, the party waives a jury.
In a jury trial, a group of jurors evaluate the evidence presented by each side and decide which version of the facts they believe is true. In Illinois, jury decisions must be unanimous. This means that all jurors must agree with the result. All jury trials have a judge overseeing the trial.
Ing to the Supreme Court, the jury-trial right applies only when "serious" offenses are at hand—petty offenses don't invoke it. For purposes of this right, a serious offense is one that carries a potential sentence of more than six months' imprisonment.
Amendment Seven to the Constitution was ratified on December 15, 1791. It protects the right for citizens to have a jury trial in federal courts with civil cases where the claim exceeds a certain dollar value. It also prohibits judges in these trials from overruling facts revealed by the jury.
Any party may demand a trial by jury of any issue triable of right by a jury by (1) serving upon the other parties a demand therefor in writing at any time after the commencement of the action and not later than 10 days after the service of the last pleading directed to such issue, and (2) filing the demand as required ...
Jury trials provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in the judicial process. Jury trials give citizens on the jury the power to make a decision on the case. People who serve on juries routinely have a greater respect for the system when they leave.
Casual business attire is most appropriate. T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, jeans and sneakers are discouraged. Uniforms are not acceptable. Extremes in dress may cause you to be sent home to change.
Drafting Your Jury Excuse Letter Search for any court-provided forms. Format your letter as a business letter. Address the letter to the name indicated on your summons. State your name, juror number, court date, and address. Explain the reason for your request. Ask to be excused from jury duty.
Answer. You can ask to be excused for "undue hardship." Whether you will be excused is up to your local county board, jury commission, or jury administrator. Sometimes you need prior approval of the chief judge of the relevant judicial circuit. Just wanting to "get out" of jury duty won't work.