Can I get out of jury duty in Tennessee?

Tennessee jury service is governed by T.C.A. Title 22. The clerk of court in each county manages the jury pool drawn from voter and driver's license rolls.

1. Qualifications (T.C.A. § 22-1-101)

US citizen, age 18 or older.

Resident of the county for at least 12 months.

Of sound mind and not under indictment.

Able to understand English.

2. Statutory Exemptions (T.C.A. § 22-1-103)

Active members of the US Armed Forces on duty.

Members of fire and police departments.

Convicted felons whose rights have not been restored.

3. Age-Based Excusal (T.C.A. § 22-1-103(d))

A juror 70 years of age or older may request excusal — granted upon written request.

4. Hardship Excusal

The court may excuse for medical, religious, or undue hardship — with documentation. Caregiver and sole-earner financial hardship are recognized.

5. Juror Pay (T.C.A. § 22-4-101)

The court itself pays only $11 per day — one of the lowest rates in the nation.

6. Employer Pay — Tennessee's Special Rule (T.C.A. § 22-4-106)

Employers with 5 or more employees must pay an employee the usual full compensation (less the $11 court fee) for jury service if the employee has been employed for at least 6 months. This effectively shifts pay to employers — making Tennessee's actual juror income similar to high-pay states.

7. Employer Discrimination

Employers may not discharge or threaten an employee for jury service (T.C.A. § 22-4-108). Wrongful discharge creates a civil cause of action.

8. Penalties for Skipping

Failure to appear is contempt of court with fines up to $500 and possible jail under T.C.A. § 22-1-112.

This is legal information, not legal advice.