Chief Justice David K. Thomson

COURT News:

SANTA FE — Chief Justice David K. Thomson has designated Juror Appreciation Week in New Mexico as May 4-8, 2026 to honor the thousands of people who fulfill their civic obligation for jury duty.

A proclamation by the Chief Justice describes jury service as “indispensable to the judicial system.”

Nearly 45,000 New Mexicans reported to state courthouses for jury selection in 2025, and almost 8,200 of those were chosen to serve as a juror for a trial or a grand jury proceeding.

“New Mexicans play an essential role in preserving the rule of law by serving on juries,” Chief Justice Thomson said. “We appreciate all of those in our state who sacrifice their time to respond to a call for jury duty.”

Jurors in New Mexico must be 18 years old, U.S. citizens, and reside in the county in which they are summoned to jury duty. State courts provide interpreters for jurors to protect the constitutional right of non-English speakers in New Mexico to serve on juries.

To minimize the potential burden of jury duty, the New Mexico Judiciary operates a statewide jury management computer system that allows people to complete their juror questionnaires online as well as make requests to postpone or be excluded from jury service. State courts also offer scribing services for people who need help in completing their questionnaire.

Click here to learn more about jury service in state courts.