City of Whitefish requests questionnaire from 2025 jurors

The City of Whitefish is asking for information from prospective 2025 municipal court jurors. A questionnaire was sent by mail to those selected to serve as jurors in 2025 and its completion is required.  

“Citizen participation in democracy occurs most commonly in two ways – by voting and by jury service.  Our legal system cannot function without citizen participation through jury service.  Completing the required questionnaire and being available to serve on a jury panel is both a duty and a privilege of living in our democracy,” said Whitefish Municipal Court Judge Caitlin Overland.  

The notice is not a summons to report for a specific trial date. People who have been chosen in previous years will still need to submit the questionnaire again.  

The jury term begins Jan. 1, 2025, and ends Dec. 31, 2025.  

Montana law provides that all citizens 18 years of age or older, who are residents for at least 30 days of the state and of the city, town or county in which they are called for jury service, and who are citizens of the United States are eligible for jury service. Jurors are randomly selected from a combined list of active registered voters, licensed drivers or holders of Montana ID cards. 

Serving as a juror is an important public service. Failing to report for jury duty can result in possible penalties that include service by the Whitefish Police Department or a bench warrant issued for contempt of court. 

People are advised to keep the Court apprised of their mailing address and phone number. If leaving the area for any length of time, it is advised to inform the Court of any such dates to avoid any unnecessary confusion.