Home < Jury Service < Employer Message

Your employee has been summoned for jury duty in the United States District Court.

Petit Jurors are obligated to remain on call for jury service for a 2-month period. During that time, they may be chosen for a specific case during any of 4 jury selection dates . The average length of a trial is 3 to 5 days. Jurors are advised 6 to 8 weeks in advance of their initial reporting date, so you will have sufficient advance notice to plan for your employee's absence.

Grand Jurors serve for a term of 18 months, generally 1 to 2 days per month. However, the average term is 15 days due to cancellations or rescheduling by the United States Attorney. With sufficient advance notice for a specific date and for good cause the grand jury clerk may make arrangements for an alternate juror.

In most instances, the burden of Federal Court jury service is not so overwhelming that it could not be absorbed by business or other establishments with relative ease. In 1978, the "Protection of Juror's Employment Statute" (Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1875) was enacted. The statute demonstrates the attitude of the United States Congress toward assuring adequate representation and the corresponding duty of employers to their employees and to our justice system.

Financial hardship claimed as an excuse by an individual summoned for jury duty is not usually a valid reason for the court to grant release especially if the individual is working regularly in a permanent position with a salary or set hourly rate. Unless there are some compelling reasons for that excuse, it will not be granted. Federal jurors nationwide are paid $40 per day for their services.

The maximum civil penalty for an employer who retaliates against an employee serving on jury duty is from $1,000 to $5,000 and adds the potential penality of community service.