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Jury FAQs

  • What should I bring with me to the courthouse?

    You should bring your juror summons with you when you report. The bar code is used to verify attendance by the jury office. Cellular telephones and laptop computers are allowed in the Jury Assembly Room. These electronic devices must be turned off in the courtroom. The court does not provide wireless internet access. If you are serving on a trial, cellular telephones are not permitted during the deliberation process.

    You must present a photo ID, such as a driver’s license when entering the courthouse. You and your belongings are subject to search. It is very important that jury selections begin promptly, so please allow plenty of time to travel to the courthouse and pass through security.

  • What type of cases will jurors decide in federal court?

    Jurors may be called to serve on both civil and criminal trials. Examples of civil cases are contract disputes, civil rights violations, etc. Criminal trials involve a party or parties who are alleged to have violated a federal law and who have been indicted by a grand jury.

  • How much will I be paid to serve as a juror?

    Federal jurors are paid $50.00 per day as an attendance fee and receive payment for round-trip mileage from their home to the courthouse address each day they serve. Mileage is calculated by zip code at the current federal government rate for mile reimbursement. Parking and toll expenses are reimbursed in full.

    If you take public transportation, you will be reimbursed, however, reimbursement for a taxi cab is not allowed.

    United States government employees will not receive an attendance fee for jury service (U.S. Postal Service employees will receive an attendance fee).

    A subsistence fee will be paid to jurors who live sixty (60) miles or more from the courthouse if it is necessary to spend the night in a hotel. You must contact the jury clerk for your division to obtain prior approval to use overnight accommodations at government expense.

  • How will jury pay affect my unemployment benefits?

    This question should be answered by your local unemployment office. Let them know you are currently serving on a jury and receiving jury pay.

  • I no longer live in the state of Pennsylvania, do I still have to serve?

    If you are no longer a Pennsylvania resident you will be disqualified from serving in this state.  Be sure to fill in your current address, county, and state of residence when completing your questionnaire online.  If filling out the hard copy, cross off your old address on the form and enter your current address beside it.  Make sure you sign and date the form.

  • I submitted a request to be excused or disqualified but my request was denied?

    Jury Clerks must observe the Federal Guidelines when making determinations regarding requests to be excused or disqualified.  It may be that you have not provided the court with sufficient information to validly excuse you.  If your request was denied and you believe your request is valid, you should contact the Jury Clerk in your division to discuss the specifics of your request.

  • Can I be fired from my job for serving on a jury?

    No, Federal law protects all permanent employees who serve on juries. If your employer fires you, threatens to fire you, intimidates or coerces you because you have been called for jury duty, report the incident immediately to the jury office.

  • Does my employer have to pay me while I serve?

    No, but most private employers do pay employees during their jury service. Some pay employees in full, while others deduct your $50.00 daily juror pay from your regular wages.

  • What rules apply to a person working second or third shift?

    Second and third shift workers should take off the shift prior to the day you are to report. If a hardship related to your shiftwork prevents you from serving, you must submit a written request to be excused that explains your hardship.

  • Can my employer tell me I can’t serve jury duty?

    No! Under Section 1875 of the F.R.C.P. “No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee’s jury service…” and they may be subject to a civil penalty of more than $5000.00 should they do so.

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