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What factors may exempt or excuse me from jury service?

Type: 
Jury FAQ
Answer: 

The following prospective jurors are exempt from jury service.  This means they will not need to serve on a jury.

  • Members in active service in the Armed Forces of the United States;
  • Members of the fire or police departments of any state, district, territory, possession, or subdivision; and
  • Public officers in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of any federal, state, or local government who are actively engaged in the performance of official duties.  A public officer is either elected to public office or directly appointed by a person elected to public office.

The following prospective jurors may request  to be excused from jury service upon a written request, with proof to establish the basis for their excuse request, once approved by a federal judge.  The court may or may not grant the excuse or may require the juror to report during a different two month term.

  • Persons over 75 years of age;
  • Persons who served as a grand or petit juror within two years of being summoned in federal court;
  • Volunteer safety personnel, such as volunteer firefighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew;
  • Persons caring for children under twelve years of age if the children's health or safety could be harmed by care giver's  absence for jury service;
  • Persons caring for elderly or ill individuals; or
  • Persons for whom jury serve is a temporary hardship or extreme inconvenience.