Twelfth Judicial District Court

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Juror Orientation    Juror Handbook

The Twelfth Judicial District Court provides juror orientation each time a new jury pool is selected. The juror process is explained and jurors are provided an opportunity to ask questions. Each prospective juror receives a Juror Handbook at orientation. The handbook provides answers to most juror questions.

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Term of Service

Lincoln County term of service is six (6) months. Otero County term of service is three (3) months.

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Emergencies

If illness or other emergency requires that you be delayed or absent, telephone the Jury Clerk as soon as possible:

Lincoln County:  505-648-2439  ext. 2, or call the toll free number from the  juror calendar.

Otero County:  505-437-7310 ext. 149, or call the toll free number from the juror calendar.

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Juror Attire

You should dress comfortably and conservatively in order to avoid distracting others. It is not appropriate to wear shorts, tank tops or sweat suits for jury service.

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Cellular Phones

You will be required to keep cell phones turned off at all times while in the courthouse.

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Telephone

A telephone to make outgoing phone calls is available to jurors who have been selected to serve. Selected jurors should let the Bailiff know if they need to contact employers or family members.

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Meals & Refreshments

The Court provides beverages to jurors who have been selected to serve. Meals will be provided only to those who are in deliberation or sequestered. You are not required to eat with other jurors except when you are in deliberation or otherwise restricted by the Judge.

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Special Needs

If you are unable to adequately hear or see the evidence presented, it is your duty to make this known to the Judge so that arrangements can be made.

If you are not completely proficient with the English language, we will attempt to locate an interpreter for you. If you feel you need this assistance, please contact the Jury Clerk as soon as possible.

If you have any other special needs, please notify the Jury Clerk and we will try to accommodate you.

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Excusal

For temporary excusals, call the phone number listed in your handbook or on the juror calendar.

To be excused for the term, you must fill out a Request for Excuse/Postponement form and submit it to the Court. The form is included in the juror packet.

Do not call to request excusal; requests for excusal will be considered only after the Court receives the form. You will be notified of the Court's decision by return mail. You must report for jury service unless your request has been granted by the Court.

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Juror Conduct

During the trial you should remain seated except when asked by the Court to stand. Your attitude and conduct throughout the trial is as important as that of the judge, parties, attorneys and witnesses. Because you have the important duty of deciding the true facts and applying those facts to the law as read to you by the Court, it is important that you understand the facts and apply the law in order to reach a proper result.

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Smoking

The courthouses are smoke-free buildings. The Bailiff will direct you to smoking areas.

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A. D. A. Compliance

Lincoln County: The main entrance to the courthouse provides a wheelchair ramp. A wheelchair ramp also is available in the main courtroom at the jury box. Notify the Court Clerk's Office in advance if you need disabled parking or have any other special needs.

Otero County: Disabled parking facilities and entrance to the courthouse are located on the North, West and South sides of the building. An elevator is located on the ground floor by the North entrance. A wheelchair ramp is available in the courtroom at the jury box. Anyone needing further assistance should notify the Court Clerk's Office in advance.

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