- Jurors for Columbia Municipal Court are randomly selected from a database that contains information from the South Carolina Election Commission and the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
- If you are selected for a specific jury trial term, you will receive a Municipal Court Juror Response Form and a self-addressed envelope in the mail. The Juror Response Form must be completed and returned to Municipal Court.
- Accessibility Accommodations: Columbia Municipal Court is committed to providing accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you have any special needs or accommodations, please contact the jury trial coordinator at 803-545-3128 prior to the date you are summoned to appear.
Reporting for Jury Duty
- Please arrive promptly.
- Jurors should park in the City of Columbia parking garage at 820 Washington Street (across from the courthouse). Jurors will receive a parking pass upon entering the parking garage. Bring this parking pass with you when checking in the court on Monday morning and you will receive further instructions regarding parking.
- Do not bring beverages, children, relatives, or friends with you on the day you report for jury duty.
- Upon arrival you will be shown to a courtroom separate from all other case parties attending jury trials. It is important that you do not speak with any case party, even if it is a relative.
- When the clerk calls your name, you should be prepared to stand and state your name and occupation. At that time, the judge may ask questions to determine your qualification to serve.
- If you are dismissed or told to report the following day, be sure to you know when and where you are to report. Each morning, roll will be taken to record your presence.
General Information
- Security screening: Everyone who enters the Municipal Court building must pass through a metal detector and may be subject to search. Purses, briefcases, and the like will be searched as well. Weapons, which include everything from pocket knives to personal protection devices, are strictly prohibited in the Municipal Court.
- Cell phones and communication devices: All cell phones and/or other communication devices should be turned off or on silent mode prior to entering the courtroom(s). Court security officers will confiscate any device making noise in the courtroom.
Terms of Service
- Appearing in Court: Jury trials are scheduled Monday through Thursday of the designated jury trial week and as a juror, you must report on the Monday of the scheduled jury trial week. Failure to appear or notify the court may result in you being fined $500 for contempt of court.
- Duties & Responsibilities: As a juror, you will be acting as an officer of the court. Jury panels are made up of 6 jurors and the jury is charged with listening to the facts of a case and determining whether an individual is guilty or not guilty.
- Compensation: Jurors will receive $15 per day, regardless of whether chosen to sit on a jury. Payment is mailed to the address on your summons and you should receive it within 45 days of your service.
Contact Information
If you need more information or wish to discuss your status for jury service, please call 803-545-3128.
Each summoned juror will receive a Juror’s Handbook during roll call on his or her 1st day of service.