Article 16: Jurors and Jury Selection · Last amended 2020 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceThis section spells out how tales jurors are summoned — from bystanders or the county at large, by the jury commissioner, sheriff, or another person the judge designates — and confirms that unchosen tales jurors are not automatically barred from future jury service.
Full Text of § 25-1666
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(1) When it is deemed necessary, the judge shall direct the jury commissioner or the sheriff of the county or such other person as may be designated by the judge to summon from the bystanders or the body of the county a sufficient number of persons having the qualifications of jurors, as provided in section 25-1650, to serve as tales jurors to fill the jury panel, in order that a jury may be obtained.
(2) The persons summoned under subsection (1) of this section who are not chosen to serve on the jury shall be discharged from the jury panel as soon as the judge so determines. Such persons shall not thereafter be disqualified from service as jurors when regularly drawn from the jury list pursuant to the Jury Selection Act unless excused by the judge.
Source
Laws 1915, c. 248, § 10, p. 572; C.S.1922, § 9104; C.S.1929, § 20-1634; R.S.1943, § 25-1634; Laws 1953, c. 72, § 13(3), p. 235; R.S.1943, (2016), § 25-1634.02; Laws 2020, LB387, § 23.
Plain-English Summary
Where section 25-1665 authorizes drawing extra jurors, section 25-1666 handles the mechanics of gathering tales jurors specifically. When the judge decides it is necessary, the jury commissioner, the county sheriff, or another person the judge designates summons enough qualified people — drawn from the bystanders in the courthouse or from the county generally — to fill the jury panel. Anyone summoned this way still has to meet the same qualifications required of any juror under section 25-1650.
Not every tales juror ends up serving. Those summoned but not chosen for the jury are discharged from the panel once the judge decides to release them. That discharge does not follow them into future jury terms: they remain eligible for jury service later, drawn regularly from the jury list, unless a judge excuses them for some other reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can summon tales jurors?
The jury commissioner, the sheriff of the county, or another person the judge designates.
Where do tales jurors come from?
From the bystanders present at the courthouse or from the body of the county generally.
Do tales jurors need the same qualifications as other jurors?
Yes. They must have the qualifications of jurors set out in section 25-1650.
If I am summoned as a tales juror but not picked, can I be called again later?
Yes. You remain eligible for regular jury service unless a judge excuses you.
How is this section different from section 25-1665?
This section covers who does the summoning and where tales jurors come from; section 25-1665 authorizes the process and covers appearance and service duties.
Source & verification. Section text and the amendment-history citation are
reproduced verbatim from the Nebraska Legislature, Revisor of Statutes, enacted by the
Nebraska Legislature. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
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