The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court celebrates Juror Appreciation Week. From left to right: Jury Division staff Emily Dominguez, Abbey Whitaker and Manager Alyssia Trujillo. Courtesy/Metro Court
COURT News:
SANTA FE – A new video provides a clear, modern guide to serving as a juror in a New Mexico court.
The orientation video explains what to expect during jury service, including what happens if a person must report to a courthouse for possible selection as a juror in a criminal or civil trial. Click here to view the juror orientation video on the New Mexico Courts YouTube channel.
“New Mexicans perform a vital role by serving on juries in state courts,” Chief Justice Julie J. Vargas said. “Jury duty is more than a civic obligation. It offers citizens an opportunity to directly participate in the justice system in their communities.”
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.
The newly released video replaces an outdated orientation video that has been in use for nearly two decades. The updated video reflects policies and practices that courts now follow, including the use of sign language interpreters and assisted listening devices for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“This new video ensures New Mexicans have accurate, easy-to-understand information so they can participate fully and confidently when called to jury service,” said Adrianna Harris, who manages the statewide jury program at the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
The juror orientation video is available to the public and shared with individuals summoned for jury service statewide. For the first time, the video also is available in Spanish.
“Jury service is a cornerstone of our justice system,” AOC Director Karl Reifsteck said. “The video’s clear, straightforward information can help lessen any uncertainty that people may feel when they receive a summons in the mail calling them to jury duty.”
Throughout this week, New Mexico observes Juror Appreciation Week to recognize the contributions of jurors and the essential role they play in the administration of justice.
Jurors 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. Jurors are paid the state minimum wage—currently $12 an hour—and employers must grant time off for workers to serve on a jury.