The draw to pick Arkansans for jury duty comes from the state's list of registered voters. If you’re chosen, a notice should come to you in the mail. Potential jurors need to be able to read and write English, have no felony convictions, be of sound mind and over 18. People with hearing or vision impairments can serve with interpreters.
Arkansas does pay jurors. If you are advanced to serve, you get about $50 a day. If you show up but aren't chosen you get $15 a day. You should also get free courthouse parking.
Jurors are asked to dress nicely in business casual outfits.
It's illegal to penalize your employee for serving jury duty. This means no terminating employees, docking their pay or decreasing their vacation time.
Sometimes people over 80 can be exempted from jury duty. Also expectant mothers, medical workers, students or those in the military.
Once you have served, many counties give you a two year break from being called again.
From Little Rock, I am Politics and Government Reporter Josie Lenora, This has been a Arkansas Civic Minute