The basic selection process starts with voter registration and driver's license records

Courts pick jurors from lists of registered voters and people with driver's licenses in your county or district. A computer randomly selects names from these lists and sends them a summons in the mail. You do not choose to be considered — the selection is random, like a lottery. The court then narrows down who actually sits on a jury through a process called voir dire, which happens in the courtroom on the day you show up.

The goal is to build a jury that is impartial and representative of the community. Because the initial list comes from voter and driver's license records, the pool already reflects who lives in your area. From there, the court and the lawyers for both sides ask questions to find jurors who can be fair.

Different courts use different systems. Some pull names randomly each time they need a jury. Others use a "master jury list" that stays active for a year or longer, and they call people from that list as cases come up. A few courts still use jury commissioners or other officials to help manage the lists, though random selection is now the standard in most places.

Key Takeaways

  • Courts select jurors randomly from voter registration and driver's license records in your county.
  • Receiving a summons does not mean you will sit on a jury — it means you are being asked to show up for questioning.
  • Lawyers and judges ask questions during voir dire to find out whether you can be fair and impartial in that specific case.
  • You can be dismissed from jury duty if you have a genuine hardship, but "inconvenient" is not the same as a legal reason to be excused.
  • If you lie during jury selection or ignore a summons, you can face fines or other legal consequences.

What happens during voir dire, when lawyers and judges question you

Once you arrive at court, the judge and the lawyers for both sides ask you questions. This is voir dire, and it is how they figure out who can be fair in that particular case. The questions are not designed to trick you — they are meant to uncover bias, conflicts of interest, or reasons you cannot be impartial.

A lawyer might ask whether you have ever been in a car accident if the case involves a car crash, or whether you have worked in law enforcement if the case is a criminal trial. They want to know if you know anyone involved in the case, if you have strong feelings about the type of case being tried, or if something in your life would make it hard for you to focus.

After voir dire, each side can remove a certain number of jurors without giving a reason — these are called peremptory challenges. The number varies by court and case type. Both lawyers can also ask the judge to remove someone "for cause," meaning they have shown they cannot be fair. The judge decides whether that reason is strong enough.

Reasons you might be excused before jury duty starts

You can ask to be excused from jury duty, but the court has to agree that your reason is legitimate. Saying you are busy or that jury duty is inconvenient is not enough. Courts hear those reasons hundreds of times and usually deny them.

Reasons that courts often accept include: you are over a certain age (varies by state, often 70 or 75), you have a serious medical condition, you are the sole caregiver for someone who depends on you, you have a court date scheduled that cannot be moved, or you are experiencing genuine financial hardship that would be made worse by missing work. Some courts also excuse people who have recently served on a jury or who have a language barrier that makes participation impossible.

To ask for an excuse, you usually respond to the summons in writing or call the court's jury office before your date. Bring documentation — a doctor's letter for medical reasons, proof of caregiving, or a statement from your employer about financial impact. The judge or jury administrator reviews your request and decides whether to excuse you or ask you to come in anyway.

What disqualifies you from serving on a jury

Some people are not allowed to serve on a jury at all. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the county or district for a set period (usually one year, but this varies). You must be able to speak, read, and understand English well enough to follow the case and jury instructions.

You are disqualified if you have been convicted of a felony and your rights have not been restored, or if you are currently facing criminal charges. Some states also disqualify people with certain mental health conditions or those under guardianship. A few states disqualify non-citizens even if they are permanent residents, though this is less common now.

If you are unsure whether you meet the basic requirements, call the court's jury office and ask. They can tell you whether your situation disqualifies you before you receive a summons or after you get one.

What happens if you ignore a summons or lie during jury selection

Ignoring a jury summons can result in fines, usually ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on your state and the court. Some courts can hold you in contempt and impose jail time, though that is rare for a first offense. The court may also issue a new summons or send a sheriff to find you.

Lying during voir dire — for example, saying you have no bias when you do, or hiding a conflict of interest — is also contempt of court. If the judge or a lawyer discovers you lied, you can be fined or jailed. More importantly, if a jury conviction is later overturned because jurors lied during selection, the defendant can get a new trial.

If you genuinely cannot serve, respond to the summons honestly and ask to be excused. Courts are used to hearing requests, and many are granted. Ignoring the summons or lying creates far worse consequences than asking for a postponement or excuse.

How courts try to make jury pools more representative

Because jury lists come from voter registration and driver's license records, they do not always reflect the full diversity of a community. People who do not drive, who have moved recently, or who do not vote may not be on the list. Courts have been working to add other sources — utility bills, tax records, and ID databases — to make the pool wider.

Some courts also follow up with people who do not respond to a summons, trying to reach them by phone or mail. Others hold "jury duty fairs" to explain the process and encourage participation. A few states have changed their rules to allow non-citizens or people with prior convictions to serve, depending on the circumstances.

The goal is to make sure that juries actually look like the communities they serve. A jury that is too narrow — missing entire groups of people — can undermine fairness, which is why courts keep refining how they build their lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be called for jury duty more than once?

Yes. After you serve on a jury, you can be called again. Some courts have rules that excuse you for a set period — often one to three years — before your name goes back in the pool. Other courts have no such rule. If you receive another summons, you can ask to be excused based on recent service, and courts often grant that request.

What if I have a job and cannot take time off?

Tell the court about your job when you respond to the summons. Many employers are required by law to let you serve, and you cannot be fired for jury duty. If your employer will not let you go or will cut your pay, bring that information to the judge during voir dire or when you ask for an excuse. Some courts will postpone your service to a time that works better, or excuse you if the hardship is severe.

Do I have to answer all the questions during voir dire?

Yes. You are under oath during jury selection, and you must answer truthfully. You cannot refuse to answer or say you would rather not discuss something. If a question feels too personal, you can ask to answer it in private with the judge, away from the other jurors and the public. The judge will decide whether to allow that.

What if I know someone involved in the case?

Tell the judge and the lawyers during voir dire. Knowing the defendant, a witness, or a lawyer does not automatically disqualify you, but it might. The judge will ask follow-up questions about how well you know them and whether you can still be fair. If you cannot be impartial, you will be dismissed for cause.

Can I be forced to serve if I am retired or over a certain age?

Most states excuse people over a certain age — often 70 or 75 — but you usually have to ask. Some states make it automatic; others require you to respond to the summons and request an excuse. Call the court's jury office to find out your state's rule. Even if you are over the age limit, you can volunteer to serve if you want to.