District of Idaho

Citizens of Idaho are being targeted by phone calls threatening arrest for contempt of court, citations, warrants for failing to comply with a federal jury summons and/or not showing up for federal jury service.

Scammers sound convincing and use real information about the victim, real court addresses and real names of federal judges or local law enforcement to make the scam appear more credible. Scammers may even “spoof” the phone number on caller ID so that the call falsely appears to be from a court, law enforcement and may hear police radio traffic in the background. Callers tend to have an accent, are threatening, intimidating and try to keep you on the phone. You may also be told to report to the police department to provide your signature for verification that your signature matches what is on your jury documents. 

Never meet these individuals, provide cash, contact a Bail Bondsman, purchase pre-paid money cards or provide personal information. The callers are requesting thousands of dollars and advising that your money would be refunded after the matter is taken care of and after a Zoom call with the Judge. If you do not comply with their demands, they get angry and may text or tell you that deputies are on their way to arrest you. Citizens receiving these calls can defend yourself by simply hanging up the phone.

The U.S. District Court of Idaho wants citizens to know that these calls are not from court officials. Federal courts do not require prospective jurors to provide sensitive information, nor do we call and threaten prospective jurors or request any sort of payment. 

It is a crime for anyone to falsely represent himself or herself as a federal court official. Citizens receiving threatening phone calls for failure to report for jury duty should never provide sensitive information such as: credit card numbers, bank account information, social security numbers, etc. about themselves or family members.

Don’t be a victim. Hang up the phone and spread the word that scammers are actively calling citizens regarding jury service.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS/CONCERNS AS TO WHETHER OR NOT YOU MISSED JURY SERVICE, GO DIRECTLY TO THE FEDERAL COURTHOUSE AND SPEAK TO JURY STAFF.

Every two years, our court randomly selects jurors from a combined listing of active registered voters, and holders of drivers' licenses, and I.D. cards obtained from the State of Idaho.  Our Local Jury Plan establishes how we select grand and petit juries at random from a fair cross section of the community in the district wherein the court convenes. 

Welcome to jury service in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.

Jury duty touches the lives of thousands of Idahoans each year. More than 16,000 people are summoned annually and each one has family, friends, employers and co-workers who are affected by their jury service.

Jurors perform a vital role in the American system of justice.  The protection of our rights and liberties is largely achieved through the teamwork of judge and jury who, working together in common effort, put into practice the principles of our great heritage of freedom.  The judge determines the law to be applied in the case while the jury decides the facts.  Thus, in a very important way, jurors become a part of the court itself.

This site is designed to answer many of these concerns and give you an introduction into your upcoming jury service and the general nature and importance of their role as jurors.

The menu on the left provides links to specific information regarding jury service. We hope you find this helpful.

It's Your Duty and Honor

On behalf of the Court, I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to you as you begin your jury service.

At the Court we know that jury service poses a burden in your already busy lives.  We appreciate the efforts that you, your family, and if applicable, your employer will give in order for you to be on call for jury service.  We understand that managing other life priorities is important but your service is essential to our system of justice. 

We want you to enjoy your experience as a juror. When you complete this service, I hope that you will leave with a greater understanding of the Court's functions. The right to a jury of one's peers is a precious right and all who serve play a very important role.

I am frequently told by jurors that jury service was a very rewarding and educational experience and they would be honored to serve again if given the opportunity.