UAMS ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDE

NUMBER: 4.6.06
DATE: 07/01/91
REVISION: 01/15/2004

SECTION: HUMAN RESOURCES
AREA: TIME OFF
SUBJECT: COURT AND JURY DUTY LEAVE

PURPOSE

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), in conformance with Act 835 of 2003, Arkansas Code, Annotated § 21-4-213 & 21-5-104 and the Office of Personnel Management Policy 105.9.1, has established clearly defined uniform procedures under which court and jury leave may be granted and taken.  The purpose of this policy is to inform all departments within UAMS of these procedures so that uniformity and equity can be established throughout the campus. 

PROCEDURE

  1. A UAMS employee who serves as a juror or is subpoenaed as a witness to give a deposition in a court or hearing, not involving personal litigation or service as a paid witness outside the scope of state employment is entitled to receive normal and full compensation in addition to any fees paid for such services.  Such absences shall not be counted as annual leave.  Employees normally scheduled for evening and night shift duty shall also be entitled to time-off from these shifts for court duty performed during the day.
     
  1. Employees involved in personal litigation will be required to take annual leave.
     
  1. It is the preference of the University that witnesses complete such service by providing a statement or deposition to the involved attorney whenever possible.  Statements or depositions which involve the University may be taken during duty hours.  All others should be handled during non-working hours.
     
  1. Employees accepted by the court as expert witnesses and paid a fee in excess of the normal witness fee shall take annual leave for the time required for such testimony.  Likewise, volunteers who have not been subpoenaed to serve as witnesses or those that are subpoenaed as a witness for personal litigation will be required to request annual leave.
     
  1. If an employee’s service on a jury would substantially interfere with the execution of the University work schedule, then the appropriate Dean, Executive Director or Vice Chancellor may petition the judge in writing for exemption of the employee from service.  However, if exemption is denied or if no response is received prior to the set date of jury duty, then the employee must report for jury duty.