Jury Service: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about your responsibilities if you are called for Jury Service, including how long it takes and what compensation is available.
Jury Service is a civic responsibility where citizens are called to participate in the legal process by sitting on a jury during a trial.
Who it's for
You may be required to serve if you are a registered voter and fall between the ages of 18 and 75.
What you get
While you are serving, you are participating in a vital civic duty. You can also claim compensation to help cover the loss of your earnings during the period you are serving.
What it costs you
The main cost is your time. You should expect to be unavailable for your usual work or personal commitments for a period that typically lasts about two weeks.
The catch to know
You cannot choose to opt out of jury duty simply because you are busy. If you cannot serve at the scheduled time, you are generally only allowed to ask to defer—or move—your service to a later date one time.
How to apply
- Wait for your official summons to arrive in the post.
- Review the instructions provided in your summons.
- Follow the steps in the document to confirm your availability or request a deferral if necessary.