13-5-33 - Juror may postpone jury service one time only; conditions for postponement; extreme emergency exception. - Mississippi Statutes

§ 13-5-33. Juror may postpone jury service one time only; conditions for postponement; extreme emergency exception.
 

(1)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, individuals scheduled to appear for jury service have the right to postpone the date of their initial appearance for jury service one (1) time only. Postponements shall be granted upon request, provided that: 

(a) The juror has not been granted a postponement within the past two (2) years; 

(b) The prospective juror appears in person or contacts the clerk of the court by telephone, electronic mail or in writing to request a postponement; and 

(c) Prior to the grant of a postponement with the concurrence of the clerk of the court, the prospective juror fixes a date certain to appear for jury service that is not more than six (6) months or two (2) terms of court after the date on which the prospective juror originally was called to serve and on which date the court will be in session, whichever is the longer period. 

(2)  A subsequent request to postpone jury service may be approved by a judicial officer only in the event of an extreme emergency, such as a death in the family, sudden illness, or a natural disaster or a national emergency in which the prospective juror is personally involved, that could not have been anticipated at the time the initial postponement was granted. Prior to the grant of a second postponement, the prospective juror must fix a date certain on which the individual will appear for jury service within six (6) months or two (2) terms of court after the postponement on a date when the court will be in session. 

(3)  The Administrative Office of Courts shall promulgate rules for the implementation of this section. 
 

Sources: Laws, 2004, 1st Ex Sess, ch. 1, § 14; Laws, 2006, ch. 437, § 4, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 20, 2006.)