ABA Family Legal Guide

How the Legal System Works

The Civil Trial: Step by Step

Juries

What if I am selected as an alternate juror?

At the beginning of the trial, the judge may order that more jurors be seated than are required for the verdict. These extra jurors are known as alternate jurors, and they are selected to guard against the possibility that some of the jurors will become ill or otherwise be unable to complete the trial. An alternate would attend the trial along with the regular jurors, but would not be called to participate in reaching a verdict unless one of the regular jurors was unable to continue.

No matter what procedures are used, it is important for alternate jurors to always pay attention to testimony because they may be required to participate in the verdict should another juror be unable to complete his or her service.