Jury Duty: Your Rights & Pay
Serving on a jury is both a civic responsibility and a constitutional right. Understanding the process, your rights, and your employer's obligations can help you navigate jury service with confidence.
How Jury Selection Works
Step 1: The Summons
Jury summonses are typically drawn from voter registration lists, driver's license records, or state ID databases. When you receive a summons:
You must respond by the deadline indicated — ignoring a summons can result in fines or contempt of court
Complete any questionnaires included with the summons
If you have a legitimate hardship, you may request a postponement (not an exemption)
Step 2: Reporting for Duty
On your reporting date:
Arrive on time at the courthouse
Bring your summons, photo ID, and something to read (expect waiting)
You may be assigned to a jury pool for one or more cases
Step 3: Voir Dire (Jury Selection)
Attorneys question potential jurors to identify bias:
Challenges for cause — unlimited; attorney must demonstrate a specific reason the juror cannot be fair
Peremptory challenges — limited number; attorney can excuse a juror without stating a reason (but cannot use race, gender, or ethnicity as the basis)
Who Is Eligible for Jury Duty?
Federal courts require jurors to be:
U.S. citizens
At least 18 years old
Residents of the judicial district for at least one year
Able to read, write, and understand English adequately
Not currently facing felony charges
Free from disqualifying mental or physical conditions
State requirements are similar but may vary.
Exemptions and Excusals
Common grounds for being excused include:
Undue hardship — sole caregiver for a dependent, medical condition, financial hardship
Prior service — served on a jury within the past 2 years (varies by jurisdiction)
Age — some states automatically excuse jurors over 70 or 75
Occupation — some states exempt active military, police, firefighters, or certain government officials
Employer Protections
Federal law and most state laws protect employees called for jury duty:
Employers cannot fire, threaten, or retaliate against employees for serving on a jury
Some states require employers to continue paying the employee's regular wages during service
Even in states without a pay requirement, employers cannot reduce benefits or seniority
Violations can result in fines, contempt of court charges, or civil liability
Jury Duty Pay
Compensation varies significantly:
Federal courts pay $50 per day (and $60 per day after 10 days of service)
State courts range from $5 to $50+ per day, depending on the state
Some states pay nothing for the first day or first few days
Mileage reimbursement is typically provided (at rates varying from $0.20 to the federal mileage rate)
Parking may or may not be provided
Length of Service
Most jurisdictions use a one day/one trial system — if you're not selected for a jury panel on your first day, your service is complete
If selected for a trial, service continues until the trial concludes (days to weeks for most cases)
Grand jury service can last months (typically meeting one or two days per week)
Your Rights as a Juror
You have the right to deliberate free from outside pressure or coercion
You may not be punished for your verdict
You can report any attempts to influence your decision to the judge
After the trial, you are generally free to discuss the case (though some judges request confidentiality)
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Jury duty procedures and compensation vary by state and jurisdiction.