Receiving a jury duty summons can feel confusing if you have never been to court before. In most cases, the process is more straightforward than it may seem. You may report to the courthouse, complete an orientation, wait to see whether a jury is needed, and possibly participate in jury selection.
Importantly, receiving a summons does not mean that you will necessarily serve on a trial.
Quick Information
| Question | General Answer |
| What is jury duty? | Civic service as a potential juror |
| Do you have to appear? | Generally, yes, if properly summoned |
| Will you definitely serve? | No |
| What is jury selection called? | Voir dire |
| What do jurors do? | Listen to evidence and determine facts |
| How long does it last? | Depends on the court and case |
| Is it paid? | Usually, with rules varying by court |
| Can you be excused? | Sometimes, if you qualify under applicable rules |
- First, Read Your Jury Summons
Your summons is the most important document because it tells you what your particular court requires.
It may tell you:
- When to report
- Where to report
- Whether you need to call or check online before appearing
- How to complete a questionnaire
- How to request a postponement or excuse
- Your juror identification number
- How long your service period may last
Federal courts, for example, may use an online eJuror system for questionnaires, reporting information, and certain requests.
- You May Have to Report to the Courthouse
On the required date, you may need to go to the courthouse and check in with the jury staff.
Depending on the court, you could spend some time in a jury assembly room or waiting area before being assigned to a courtroom.
Bring the items permitted by your court and follow the instructions on your summons. Security screening is normally required when entering a courthouse.
- You Will Usually Receive an Orientation
The court may provide an orientation explaining:
- Your responsibilities
- Courtroom procedures
- What jurors can and cannot do
- How the selection process works
- What happens if you are selected
The exact orientation differs between courts.
- You May Not Actually Become a Juror
This is one of the biggest things to understand.
Being summoned for jury duty does not guarantee that you will serve on a jury. Courts summon more potential jurors than are ultimately needed because only a portion may be selected for a particular trial.
You could report to court and be released without ever serving on a trial.
- Jury Selection: What Is Voir Dire?
If a jury is needed, potential jurors may be brought into the courtroom.
The judge and attorneys may ask questions to determine whether individual jurors can fairly consider the case.
This process is called voir dire.
Questions can involve:
- Whether you know someone involved
- Whether you have heard about the case
- Relevant personal experiences
- Potential conflicts of interest
- Whether you can remain impartial
Answer questions honestly. If something could affect your ability to be fair, tell the judge or follow the court’s instructions for responding.
- Some People Are Excused During Selection
Not everyone in the jury pool will become a member of the final jury.
A judge may excuse a potential juror when there is a legitimate reason the person cannot fairly serve in that particular case. Attorneys may also have limited opportunities to challenge potential jurors under applicable rules.
Being excused from one particular trial does not necessarily mean you are permanently excused from jury service.
- What Happens If You Are Selected?
If selected, you become a member of the trial jury.
Your main job is to:
- Listen carefully
- Review evidence admitted by the court
- Listen to witnesses
- Follow the judge’s instructions
- Consider the facts presented at trial
- Participate in deliberations
The jury generally determines the facts, while the judge explains the law that applies to the case.
- What Should You Not Do?
Jurors must follow the court’s instructions.
Generally, you should not:
- Research the case online
- Search for information about the defendant
- Investigate witnesses yourself
- Discuss the case with people outside the jury
- Post about the case on social media
- Use outside information to make your decision
The purpose is to ensure that the verdict is based on the evidence and legal instructions presented through the court.
- How Long Will Jury Duty Take?
There is no single nationwide length of service.
Some courts use a one-day or one-trial system. Other courts may place jurors on call for a longer period.
If you are selected for a trial, you generally remain until the trial is completed, even if it lasts longer than you originally expected.
Federal courts note that trial length varies considerably by case.
- What Happens During the Trial?
If you are selected, a typical trial can involve:
Opening Statements
The attorneys explain what they expect the evidence to show.
Witness Testimony
Witnesses may answer questions under oath.
Evidence
Documents, photographs, physical evidence, or other materials may be presented if admitted by the court.
Closing Arguments
The attorneys explain how they believe the evidence should be considered.
Judge’s Instructions
The judge explains the legal rules the jury must apply.
Jury Deliberations
Jurors discuss the evidence privately and work toward a verdict according to the applicable legal standard.
- Do You Get Paid for Jury Duty?
Jury compensation depends on whether you are serving in federal or state court and the applicable local rules.
For federal jury service, jurors currently receive $50 per day, and may qualify for certain transportation, parking, meal, or lodging allowances.
Federal law also protects permanent employees from being fired, intimidated, or coerced because of federal jury service. However, federal law does not generally require an employer to continue paying normal wages during service.
State court rules can be different.
- Can You Ask to Postpone Jury Duty?
Potential jurors may sometimes request a postponement or excuse for legally recognized reasons.
Possible grounds depend on the court and jurisdiction.
For federal jury service, the court may allow qualified jurors to request an excuse or deferral through the appropriate process.
Do not simply ignore the summons. If you cannot serve on the scheduled date, follow the instructions provided by your court.
What Should You Bring?
Check your summons first, but useful items may include:
- Jury summons
- Government-issued identification if required
- Juror identification information
- Reading material for waiting periods
- Necessary medications
- Water or permitted snacks
Courthouse security rules vary, so don’t bring prohibited items.
What Should You Wear?
You generally do not need to wear a suit unless your particular court instructs otherwise.
A good approach is clean, neat, and respectful clothing.
Avoid clothing with offensive or distracting messages, and remember that you may spend several hours in a courtroom.
What If You Are Nervous?
Being nervous is completely understandable, especially if it is your first time.
You do not need special legal training to serve as a juror. Federal court guidance explains that no special training is required; jurors are expected to listen carefully, evaluate the facts fairly, and follow the judge’s instructions.
Court staff and the judge will provide instructions about what you need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone who receives a jury summons serve on a jury?
No. You may report to court but not be selected for a particular trial.
What happens on the first day of jury duty?
You may check in, attend orientation, wait in a jury area, and potentially participate in jury selection.
What is voir dire?
Voir dire is the questioning of potential jurors to determine whether they can fairly serve on a particular case.
How long is jury duty?
It depends on the court. Some jurisdictions use a one-day or one-trial system, while others have longer service periods.
Can I use my phone during jury duty?
Rules vary. Follow the instructions of your court and judge. During proceedings, jurors may be required to keep phones turned off or put away.
What happens if I am selected for a trial?
You will listen to the evidence, follow the judge’s instructions, participate in deliberations, and help reach a verdict according to the applicable legal standard.
Final Takeaway
Jury duty is usually a structured process rather than something to fear. You may report to court, receive instructions, wait for a case, and potentially participate in jury selection. You may also be released without ever serving on a trial.
If you are selected, your responsibility is to listen carefully, remain impartial, consider only the evidence presented in court, and follow the judge’s instructions.
Most importantly, follow the specific instructions on your jury summons because jury procedures, reporting requirements, exemptions, compensation, and service periods vary by court.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Jury-service rules differ between federal and state courts. Always follow the instructions issued by the court that summoned you.
