Can a permanent resident serve as a juror in Missouri?

Full question:

My wife has a "Permanent Resident Card". She was served a juror summons for the city of Saint Louis. She is not a United States citizen. Can she serve as a Juror?

Answer:

According to Missouri law, jurors must be citizens of the state (Mo. Stat. § 494.400). Since your wife is not a U.S. citizen, she is not qualified to serve as a juror. However, she should not ignore the juror summons. Instead, she should contact the jury coordinator and request to be excused due to her lack of citizenship.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, all U.S. citizens are generally required to serve on jury duty when summoned. However, there are certain exemptions and disqualifications that may apply, such as age, health issues, or legal status. It's important for citizens to respond to a summons and inform the court if they cannot serve.