Section 12-16-63 Excusing prospective jurors from service. - Alabama Statutes

Section 12-16-63

Excusing prospective jurors from service.

(a) The court, upon the request of a prospective juror pursuant to this section, shall determine on the basis of information provided during an interview with the prospective juror or based on other competent evidence whether the prospective juror should be excused from jury service.

(b) A person who is not disqualified for jury service may apply to be excused from jury service by the court only upon a showing of undue or extreme physical or financial hardship, a mental or physical condition that incapacitates the person, or public necessity, for a period of up to 24 months, at the conclusion of which the person may be directed to reappear for jury service in accordance with the court's direction.

(1) A person asking to be excused based on undue or extreme physical or financial hardship shall take all actions necessary to have obtained a ruling on that request by no later than the date on which the individual is scheduled to appear for jury duty. Documentation of such hardship shall be provided to the court upon request.

(2) For purposes of this article, undue or extreme physical or financial hardship is limited to any of the following circumstances in which an individual would:

a. Be required to abandon a person under his or her personal care or supervision due to the impossibility of obtaining an appropriate substitute caregiver during the period of participation in the jury pool or on the jury.

b. Incur costs that would have a substantial adverse impact on the payment of the individual's necessary daily living expenses or on those for whom he or she provides the principal means of support.

c. Suffer physical hardship that would result in illness or disease.

(3) Undue or extreme physical or financial hardship does not exist solely based on the fact that a prospective juror will be required to be absent from his or her place of employment.

(c) The excusal of a person from jury service pursuant to subsection (b) shall not affect the person's right to one automatic postponement under Section 12-16-63.1.

(Acts 1978, No. 594, p. 712, §9; Act 2005-311, 1st Sp. Sess., §1.)