Jury service
You’ve been called for jury service. Jurors are chosen at random from the Register of Electors, so being called doesn’t mean you’ll definitely sit on a trial — it means you need to respond and be available.
The most important thing to do now is respond to your summons by the date shown on it — even if you want to ask to be excused or to move your date.
Jury service is one of the oldest and most important duties you can be asked to do. It protects people’s rights and gives the public a direct part in how justice is done. A jury of 12 people reaches a verdict based on the evidence given in court, in serious criminal trials and some civil cases such as defamation.
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Respond to your jury summons
Reply online or by post by the date on your summons — even if you want to be excused. Check what you’ll need before you start, and how to spot a scam.
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Check if you can be excused or defer
Find out who can be excused, who cannot serve, and how to ask to move your jury service to a later date.
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What serving on a jury is like
What happens on your first day, how long it lasts, what to bring, and keeping the case confidential.
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Jury service and your job
Your pay and job protection during jury service, your certificate of attendance, and what to do if you’re self-employed
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Information for employers
What you must do when one of your employees is called for jury service, including pay and their certificate of attendance.
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Support and accessibility
Get help if you can't respond online, need a reasonable adjustment at court, or have a question about your jury service.
