§12-16-60. Qualifications of jurors.  


Latest version.
  • (a) A prospective juror is qualified to serve on a jury if the juror is generally reputed to be honest and intelligent and is esteemed in the community for integrity, good character and sound judgment and also:

    (1) Is a citizen of the United States, has been a resident of the county for more than 12 months and is over the age of 19 years;

    (2) Is able to read, speak, understand and follow instructions given by a judge in the English language;

    (3) Is capable by reason of physical and mental ability to render satisfactory jury service, and is not afflicted with any permanent disease or physical weakness whereby the juror is unfit to discharge the duties of a juror;

    (4) Has not lost the right to vote by conviction for any offense involving moral turpitude.

    (b) The jury commission shall determine, on the basis of information provided on the jury qualification form or interviews with the prospective juror or other competent evidence:

    (1) If the prospective juror is qualified. If so, the name or identifying number of the juror shall be placed in the trial court jury box.

    (2) If not, the commission shall notify the prospective juror of its decision and certify the juror's name to the court as disqualified. The juror shall have 10 days within which to appear before the court to review such decision. If the court finds such juror to be qualified, the court shall so certify to the commission. If the juror fails to appear, or the court finds such juror not qualified, the court shall so certify to the commission.

    (c) In any event, the jury commission shall enter on the master list the ultimate determination of the qualification of each juror.

(Acts 1978, No. 594, p. 712, §6.)