​Weakley County Circuit Court - Jury Duty

JURY DUTY NOTICE FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT CLERK:  ​Thank you for your service to Weakley County.

If You Have Been Called For Jury Duty In Weakley County:

​You are being called upon to perform one of the highest duties that can be imposed on any citizen, and that is to sit in judgment on facts which will decide civil disputes and determine the guilt or innocence of those charged with crimes. 

​Jury duty is an obligation of citizenship. It represents your contribution to a continuation of our democratic way of life. Your duty as a juror requires that you be prompt in your attendance, attentive to your duties, faithful to your oaths, sound and deliberate in your evaluation in reaching a verdict which truth dictates and justice demands. 

Selection Process

​A listing from the Tennessee Department of Safety is obtained of licensed drivers from which jurors are selected at a random drawing by Weakley County Jury Commissioners that are appointed by the Circuit Judge.

Notification Process

​A listing of jurors is sent to the Weakley County Sheriff. A deputy calls potential jurors from the list and states that "you have been selected to service on jury duty for the current term of court. You will be told a date and time to appear. If you have a reason you think might excuse you from jury duty, you should appear and you will be able to discuss it with the Judge. Medical excuses must be written and signed by a Doctor detailing the reason you might not be able to serve and how long that condition exists. Some professions are exempt and the Judge will consider those on the day of court.

Jury Term

​Within each year, three terms of court are held in Weakley County with the term of court and jury duty lasting four months. The terms of court are January-April, May-August, and September-December.

Excusable Absences

​Obviously conflicts will arise from time to time as to pre-scheduled activities scheduled prior to jury duty. All attempts will be made to accommodate these pre-arranged activities or appointments such as vacations and certain work related activities. Medical appointments will be granted excuses. The only request is that you call the Clerk and advise her of this conflict when it becomes apparent.

Jurors Compensation

​Jurors are paid $11.00 each day that they report. You won't be paid for jury duty until the end of the term. Lunch is provided by the county but is optional. An excuse form is available for juror's employers from the Clerk's office. If you have a problem with an employer concerning your wages, contact the Clerk. Under Tennessee law, employers with five or more employees must excuse you from work and pay you the difference between your salary and what the county pays for jury service. If an employee has been employed on a temporary basis for less than six (6) months, this provision does not apply. Tennessee law further provides that no employer shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against an employee for serving on jury duty. (Tennessee Code Annotated 22-4-108)

Location/Hours

​Trials are held on the second floor of the Weakley County Courthouse in Dresden, Tennessee in the Circuit Court courtroom. Circuit Court always convenes at 9:00 a.m. You may want to arrive by 8:45 a.m. for roll call. Court usually concludes around 5:00 p.m. each day. However, it could be longer depending upon the individual case.

Call-In System

​We use the telephone "call-in" system in this district to keep the jurors informed of the next day to report for jury duty. If you are advised that the next trial date is set for July 10th for example, you will be instructed to call the Clerk's office on July 9th after 5:00 p.m., at which time the Clerk's answering machine will advise whether you are to report or not the next day, and if not, the answering machine will advise you the next day to call-in. The phone number is (731) 364-3455. Click here to view the Jury Duty Calendar.

Planning Ahead

Come prepared to spend a full day in court. Make sure you have appropriate arrangements for family obligations such as picking up children from school, babysitting, etc. If seated on a jury panel, you will not be able to leave until the judge releases you at the conclusion of the case or recesses until the following day.

If you have any questions that have not been covered concerning jury duty, you may call the Circuit Court Clerk's office at (731) 364-3455 during office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Click here to view the Jury Duty Calendar.

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CONTACT US

​Weakley County Circuit Court Clerk
Courtney McMinn
116 W. Main St. Room 203
Dresden, TN 38225 
Courtney.McMinn@tncourts.gov
731-364-3455 (p)  •  731-364-6765 (fax)
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, M - F
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