Jury duty is the obligation of a qualified citizen to appear for possible service on a jury. It is one of the few civic duties that can require a person to rearrange work and family life on short notice, and it is also a cornerstone of the American trial system. The right to a jury trial appears in the Constitution, and the pool of jurors is drawn from the community the court serves.
The Constitutional Basis
The Sixth Amendment guarantees the accused in a criminal prosecution the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the state and district where the crime occurred. The Seventh Amendment preserves the right to a jury trial in many civil cases in federal court. State constitutions contain their own jury guarantees, and they can be broader than the federal ones. The U.S. Courts website at uscourts.gov explains how these rights work in practice in the federal system.
How People Are Summoned
Courts build their jury pools from lists of registered voters, licensed drivers, state identification holders, and sometimes property or tax records. Names are selected at random, and a summons tells the person when and where to report. Being in the pool is not the same as serving on a jury. It is the starting point for a screening process.
Who Qualifies to Serve
Qualifications are set by federal and state law and vary by jurisdiction. Common requirements include United States citizenship, a minimum age such as 18, residence in the court's district, and the ability to understand the proceedings. Many states disqualify people with certain felony convictions unless their rights have been restored. Some states also require basic English proficiency. Check your state court's juror information page for the exact list.
Grand Jury and Petit Jury
Two very different bodies are both called juries. A grand jury decides whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. A petit jury, also called a trial jury, hears a case and returns a verdict. The table below summarizes the differences.
| Grand jury | Petit (trial) jury | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Decides whether to indict | Decides guilt or liability |
| Size | Often 16 to 23 members in the federal system | Usually 6 to 12 members |
| Proceedings | Closed; the prosecutor presents evidence | Public trial with both sides |
| Verdict | Indictment; unanimity rules vary | Verdict; criminal verdicts usually must be unanimous |
Jury Selection: Voir Dire
When a trial needs a jury, a larger group called a venire is called to the courtroom. The judge and the attorneys question the prospective jurors in a process called voir dire, which means to speak the truth. The goal is to identify people who can decide the case fairly and without bias. Either side may raise a challenge for cause when a juror shows a conflict or an inability to be impartial. Each side also has a limited number of peremptory challenges, which allow a juror to be removed without stating a reason, though the Supreme Court has held that peremptory challenges cannot be used to exclude jurors because of race or sex.
What Happens During a Trial
Once the jury is seated and sworn, the trial proceeds with opening statements, the presentation of evidence, witness testimony, and closing arguments. The judge instructs the jury on the law that applies. The jurors then deliberate in private, choose a foreperson, and work toward a verdict. If the jury cannot reach the required agreement, the result is a hung jury and the case may be retried.
Jury Size and Unanimity
Criminal juries in serious cases traditionally have twelve members, and the Supreme Court has required unanimous verdicts for criminal convictions. Civil juries may be smaller, and some states permit non-unanimous civil verdicts, often with a supermajority such as nine of twelve. The exact rules are set by federal and state law and by court rules.
Excuses, Deferrals, and Exemptions
Most courts allow a one-time deferral for hardship, and some allow a person to be excused for a documented medical condition, caregiving responsibilities, or a genuine conflict. A few categories of people, such as active-duty military members or sole caregivers, may qualify for an exemption in some states. Requests usually must be made in writing before the reporting date. Hardship claims are decided by the court, not by the person summoned.
Pay and Employment Protection
Juror pay is set by the court and is generally modest, sometimes a small daily amount plus mileage. Some employers continue wages during jury service. Federal law and many state laws protect employees from being fired or penalized for responding to a jury summons, but the details vary. Ask your court and your employer about the policies that apply to you.
What Happens If You Ignore a Summons
Failing to appear can lead to a fine, a contempt finding, or an order to appear and explain the absence. Courts generally prefer to reschedule than to punish, but ignoring the notice is a mistake. If you cannot serve on the assigned date, contact the court before the deadline.
Why Jury Service Matters
A jury is meant to be a cross-section of the community. The system depends on ordinary people showing up, listening carefully, and applying the law as the judge explains it. Serving is inconvenient, but it is also a direct role in how the justice system resolves disputes and decides guilt.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Jury rules and procedures differ by court and state, and a lawyer can answer questions about a specific summons or case.