Juror Basics

You do not need any special skills or legal knowledge to be a juror. All you need is an open mind and a readiness to work with the other jurors to make decisions. You also need to be impartial-in other words, your decisions must not be influenced by personal feelings and biases.

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Qualifications for Jury Service

Basic Information for Jurors

Excuse from Jury Service

Qualifications for Jury Service

California law says you are qualified to be a juror if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen
• Are at least 18 years old
• Can understand English enough to understand and discuss the case
• Are a resident of the county that sent you the jury summons
• Have not served on a jury in the last 12 months
• Are not currently on a grand jury or on another trial jury
• Are not under a conservatorship
• Have had your civil rights restored if you were convicted of a felony or malfeasance while holding public office

No one is exempt because of his or her job, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic status.

If you are qualified, please follow the directions on your summons and call in or report as instructed. You will receive additional information when you report for service.

Even if you are qualified to be a juror, you might still have what is called an "undue hardship." An undue hardship is a difficult situation that prevents you from being able to serve. If you face an undue hardship, you may be able to be excused from jury service or postpone service.

Basic Information for Jurors

Juror Pay
California pays jurors $15 every day starting on the second day of service, except employees of governmental entities who receive full pay and benefits from their employers while on jury service. Because governmental employers already pay these jurors, the courts do not pay them an additional daily fee. All jurors receive at least 34 cents for each mile they travel to court. The mileage payment, only for one-way travel, also starts on the second day. Many courts pay you what it costs to take mass transit instead. Some local transit agencies provide free bus or rail transportation to court. Ask your local jury office for information about your court's payment process.

Length of Service
California has one-day or one-trial jury service (PDF, 68 KB). This means that people are not required to come to court for more than one day or serve on a trial more than once every 12 months. Typically if you are not chosen for jury selection after one day at the courthouse then your service is done for at least one year. If you are selected to serve on a jury, after the trial is over your service is also completed for at least a year and often longer. In fact, the majority of people who report for jury service serve for just one day. The vast majority of people who actually serve on a jury find it a fascinating and rewarding experience that they would do again.

Failure to Appear
If you are qualified and you have not been excused or had your service postponed, you must report for jury service. You may only have to call on the phone or check a Web site to find out if you should report for jury service. Any person who fails to respond may be fined up to $1,500. Jail time in addition to the fine is also possible. Carefully follow the instructions on the summons and contact the court if you need help.

Transportation
Although many courts offer parking for jurors, it is often scarce. Free transit service may be available in your area. Check your summons or contact your local jury office for more information.

Emergencies
If there is an emergency at home, you can be contacted at the courthouse. In an emergency, the judge can excuse you at any time during the trial, even during deliberations. If you are excused, an alternate can take your place. Of course, the emergency must be significant. The judge will make the final decision.

Security
When you enter the courthouse, you may go through a metal detector. Your handbag, briefcase, backpack, and any containers may be x-rayed. Objects like knitting needles, scissors, nail clippers, pocket knives, and weapons are not allowed. If you have forbidden items, you may be asked to leave the courthouse and return without them. Security officers might keep items they think are hazardous. They may or may not be returned to you when you leave the courthouse. Alcoholic beverages are also not allowed.

Courtroom Requirements
We suggest you wear comfortable clothing that fits with the importance and dignity of the courtroom. Shorts, tank tops, bare midriffs, or similar dress are not allowed. Business attire is always appropriate. You may not use computers, cellular phones, cameras, or tape recorders in the courtroom. They may not be allowed in the courtroom even if they are shut off.

Age
You must be at least 18 years old to serve. You may be excused if you are over 70 and have a serious health problem. Follow the directions on the summons or contact the court for help.

Health
If you are sick or disabled, you may postpone your service or request an excuse. Follow the directions on the summons for postponement or excuse. If you want an excuse, a doctor's note may be required. If you need special accommodations, contact the court right away.

Excuse from Jury Service

Reasons you may be excused from jury services include:

• You have a physical or mental impairment.
• Serving would be an extreme financial burden.
• You must take care of another person and there is no one else available to do it.

If you are eligible for an excuse, please mark the correct category on the response form that came with your summons. Return it to the court right away. Even if you ask for an excuse, you may still be required to come to court to speak with the judge or staff.

Postponement
Sometimes business or personal matters make it impossible to serve on the date shown on your summons. In that case you may ask to postpone your jury service. Follow the directions on your summons to request a postponement. Give the earliest date you will be able to serve.

Note: The California Labor Code protects jurors. It is against the law to fire or harass an employee who is summoned to serve as a juror. However, you should let your employer know well in advance, as soon as you receive your summons. You should contact the court if you have a problem with your employer because of jury service.