MS HB1397

Amends Section 13-5-25 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to add ministers ordained according to the rules of their church to the list of those exempt from jury service.

Ministers may claim this exemption as a personal privilege, similar to existing exemptions for citizens over 65 years old and those who served as grand or petit jurors within two years.

Exemption is not automatic; qualified jurors must affirmatively claim the privilege to be excused from service.

Individuals who have already served as grand or petit jurors in a litigated case in one court cannot claim exemptions in any other court where they may be called to serve.

Effective date: July 1, 2012.