JURY DUTY

The Barry County Courts and Circuit Clerks office, would like to thank you for your involvement in the judicial process. Our goal is to make this process as simple as possible and to respect the time and effort you have taken to serve your fellow citizens. One day, you may need the help of your fellow citizens.

The jury system plays a vital role in the democratic process of the United States. The jury serves as a link between the courts and the people and also as a guard against possible oppression by the government. The jury provides a means of settling disputes between citizens (civil proceedings) as well as between an individual and the state (criminal proceedings). Few activities in our civic life provide such a direct contact with our democracy as does jury service. Besides voting, nothing is so active and participatory in nature. Thomas Jefferson stated, "I consider trial by jury as the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution." Because of these roles, the jury is one of the foundations of liberty in our country.

Currently, Barry County pays $18.00 per day of service and .07 cents per mile round trip from your residence to the Courthouse. A correct mailing address is essential for payment.

A person, who is summoned for jury service, who wilfully fails to appear for jury service is in civil contempt of court. The Court may issue an order directing the person to a hearing where the person would be required to show good cause for failure to appear as summoned. If the individual fails to show good cause for failing to appear, the Court may impose a fine for as much as $500 and may order the prospective juror to perform community service for a time no less than would have been spent in jury service. The juror is also re-summoned for jury service (494.450 RSMo).