"The American tradition of trial by jury, considered in connection with either criminal or civil proceedings, necessarily contemplates an impartial jury drawn from a cross section of the community."  Gould v. State, 131 Ga. App. 811, 820 (1974) citing Smith v. Texas, 311 U.S. 128, 130; Glasser v. United States, 315 U.S. 60, 85.  General Information Jury Attire Jurors should wear clothing appropriate to the dignity of the Court.   No shorts or muscle shirts are allowed.  Further, no food, hats, weapons of any kind, children, or pets are permitted in the courtrooms. Length of Jury Service Jurors are on call for the entire week or weeks summoned. Exemptions OCGA Section 15-12-1 provides (a) Any person who shows that he will be engaged during his term of jury duty in work necessary to the public health, safety, or good order or who shows other good cause why he should be exempt from jury duty may be excused by the judge of the court to which he or she has been summoned or by some other person who has been duly appointed by order of the chief judge to excuse jurors. Such a person may exercise such authority only after the establishment by court order of guidelines governing excuses. Any order of appointment shall provide that, except for permanently mentally or physically disabled persons, all excuses shall be deferred to a date and time certain within that term or the next succeeding term or shall be deferred as set forth in the court order. (b) Any person who is 70 years of age or older shall be entitled to request the board of jury commissioners to remove such person's name from the jury list of the county. Upon such request the board of jury commissioners shall be authorized and directed to remove the person's name from the jury list. The request shall be made to the board or its clerk in writing and shall be accompanied by an affidavit giving the person's name, age, and such other information as the board may require. The board of jury commissioners of each county shall make available affidavit forms for the purposes of this subsection. Jury Fees Jurors will receive an expense allowance of $15 per day for each day they are required to report to the Courthouse. Deferrals Deferrals are permitted only under extreme circumstances.  All deferrals will be post-poned to a date within the next term of court.  To request a deferral, please refer to the summons instructions and follow them carefully. Further Questions? Contact the Clerk's Office of Houston County Superior Court.