In many states, seniors have the right to request an exemption from jury duty based on their age. However, the age limits and rules vary by state and by the type of court that summons you. So,if you find yourself summoned for jury duty, you will need to check with the court to determine whether you can be exempt.
Most states have a rule in place that allows individuals over a certain age to choose not to serve on a jury if called. Again, how this works varies by state and by court.
Some states allow anyone over a certain age to be permanently exempt. Others allow seniors to opt against serving if they been summoned for jury service. Certain states require notice in writing; other states have a box the senior can check on the jury summons form.
Jury Duty at Age 70:Is There a Jury Duty Age Limit?
You may become eligible to serve on a jury as of the age 18 or 21, depending on where you live. The upper age limit for serving on a jury also can depend on your state. The ages at which seniors may be able to opt out of the jury pool are as follows:
Age 65 (Mississippi and South Carolina; Note that legislators in South Carolina introduced a bill in 2023 that seeks to change the upper age limit in this state to 75.)
Age 70 (Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois (varies by county), Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia)
Age 72 (North Carolina, North Dakota (must submit a request in writing),and Wyoming)
Age 75 (Arizona, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, and Pennsylvania)
- Age 80 (Arkansas, Hawaii, Maine, and South Dakota)
Some states have more complicated rules regarding seniors and jury duty. Here are some examples:
In Nevada, everyone over age 65 who lives 65 miles or more away from the court is exemptfrom serving on a jury. Once you reach age 70 in that state, you are exemptfrom serving on a jury no matter where you live.
In California, individuals with a permanent health problem or disability may be able to decline serving on a jury. However, if you are 70 years or older, you don't need a doctor's verification of the health problem.
Other states, such as New York, do not have an upper age limit in place.
Each of the federal district courts has its own rules about jury service. Many federal courts offer excuses from service, on individual request, to designated groups, including people over age 70.
What Is Jury Duty?
Jury service allows American citizens to take part in the government’s judicial process. Under law, as a citizen of the United States, you must answer a jury summons.
The justice system randomly selects potential jurorsfrom among residents in a given state who meet certain criteria. For instance, to qualify for jury service, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (or 21, depending on your state)
- Be a registered voter
- Be a proficient English speaker
- Have a driver’s license
Prospective jurors for a case are then narrowed down during the jury selection process to those who are determined eligible to serve. In certain circ*mstances, the court may release you from jury duty. So even if you have received a summons for jury duty, you may not ultimately end up sitting in on a case. Again, note that laws regarding jury duty and applicable exemptions can vary by state.
In serving as a juror, you might hear a criminal case or a civil case. You are responsible for listening to the evidence in a case. You and other members of a jury must then decide fairly about the case based on the evidence shown.
What Happens If I Miss Jury Duty?
Failing to report for jury service is against the law. If you receive a summons, be sure to mark your calendar. You will receive noticeweeks, and often months, in advance of when you willneed to appear. Ignoring your summons may result in a fine, and if you do this numerous times, you could even face jail time.
Not Excused From Jury Service? Consult With an Elder Law Attorney
If you are a senior summoned for jury duty and want to know your rights, consult with a qualifiedelder law attorney near you. Elder law attorneys will be familiar with your local regulations. They may also be able to provide helpful guidance on other important issues affecting seniors, including:
- long-term care services
- estate planning
- guardianship
- Medicare benefits
- plans, or applications, for Medicaid
- veterans benefits
- and more
Created date: 06/10/2016
FAQs
In many states, seniors have the right to request an exemption from jury duty based on their age. However, the age limits and rules vary by state and by the type of court that summons you. So, if you find yourself summoned for jury duty, you will need to check with the court to determine whether you can be exempt.
What is the oldest age you can do jury service? ›
If you are age 70 or over and have either a physical or mental disability or impairment you may be excused from jury service.
What disqualifies you from jury duty in Kansas? ›
Have not been adjudged incompetent by a court. Must be able to read, write and comprehend the English language. Cannot have been convicted of a felony within the last 10 years. Cannot have served on a jury panel within the county within the past year.
What is the best excuse to miss jury duty? ›
A prospective juror may be excused if he/she:
- Has a physical or mental disability that would prevent him/her from serving. ...
- Must provide actual and necessary care for another and alternate arrangements are not feasible. ...
- Is unable to read or understand the English language.
- Over 75 years of age.
You can only be excused from jury duty for:
Undue hardship. Dependent care. Student Status. Military conflict.
Can I be excused from jury duty after age 70 in California? ›
Allowable excuse categories are as follows: (1) Persons over 70 years of age; (2) Any person having active care and custody of a child or children under 10 years of age whose health and/or safety would be jeopardized by absence of such person for jury service; or a person who is essential to the care of aged or infirm ...
At what age can you opt out of jury duty in Texas? ›
Exemptions for Jury Service
A person may claim a legal exemption if that person (Texas Government Code, Section 62.106): Is over 75 years of age. Has legal custody of a child or children younger than 12 years of age and serving on the jury requires leaving the child or children without adequate supervision.
Can I wear jeans to jury duty in Kansas? ›
Courtroom Decorum and Dress
The required number of jurors will then be called to sit in the jury box, and trial begins with the jury selection process. Shorts, muscle shirts, sweat pants and ball caps are not appropriate dress for the courtroom. You may wear blue jeans and t-shirts.
Can I get out of jury duty Kansas? ›
To be excused from jury service for other than health reasons, you must appear in person and speak to the judge on the date you are summoned. To be excused for health reasons, a written statement from your physician is required. The statement may be faxed or emailed to the Jury Coordinator (Email).
What happens if you don't respond to jury duty in Kansas? ›
You may be held in contempt of court and you can be fined for failing to respond to a jury service summons.
For example, write something like “My name is Jane Doe. On (date), I received a jury summons for (court date) at (court address) and was assigned the juror number (insert number here). I am writing to request to be excused from jury service because being absent from work would pose an extreme financial hardship.”
What is an example of a medical excuse letter for jury duty? ›
Dear Office of Jury Commissioner: I am a physician treating [Juror Name] for [identify general nature of medical condition - specific diagnosis is not required.]. This medical condition is a permanent medical condition. In my opinion, [Juror Name] will never be able to perform juror service.
How do I write a letter to excuse myself from jury duty? ›
When writing your or your employee's jury duty excuse letter, you must include basic information like the juror number, date, and your mailing address. You also need to include the clerk's information. Include detailed information about why you or your employee needs to be excused from serving jury duty.
Can you decline jury duty USA? ›
Most district courts offer permanent excuses from service, on individual request, to designated groups of persons or occupational class on grounds that service by such class or group would entail undue hardship or extreme inconvenience to the members thereof.
What happens if you don't respond to jury duty USA? ›
Answer: Any juror who fails to report for jury duty may be served by the U.S. Marshal's Service with an Order to Show Cause. Jurors who fail to show adequate cause for their absence from jury duty can be held in contempt of court under the Jury Selection Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1966(g).
How do US citizens get picked for jury duty? ›
Jury service is a way for U.S. citizens to participate in the judicial process. Each court randomly selects qualified citizens from counties within the district for possible jury service. All courts use the respective state voter lists as a source of prospective jurors.
What disqualifies you from jury duty in California? ›
Additionally, if any individual is incarcerated in any prison or jail, they are disqualified from jury service. Also, those who are currently required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code based on the felony conviction are not eligible for jury service.
What disqualifies you from jury duty in Georgia? ›
In Georgia state courts, you may ask to be excused from jury duty if: You are a full-time student currently taking classes, You are the primary caregiver to a child age six or younger. You must have no reasonably available alternative child care.
Is there an age limit for jury duty in Ohio? ›
To be eligible to serve on jury duty, you must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident of the county in which you are called to serve. You must also be able to communicate in the English language.
In many states, seniors have the right to request an exemption from jury duty based on their age. However, the age limits and rules vary by state and by the type of court that summons you. So,if you find yourself summoned for jury duty, you will need to check with the court to determine whether you can be exempt.