Being a juror does not require any particular skills, expertise or education.  The jury’s job is to determine the truth to the best of its ability on the basis of the evidence presented in a case.

1.  How are people chosen to be jurors?
The New York State court system obtains each year the names of state residents who are included on certain lists - registered voters, state taxpayers, licensed drivers, recipients of public assistance benefits, recipients of state unemployment compensation and volunteers who have contacted their local Commissioner of Jurors. Throughout the year, prospective jurors are selected randomly from the master list of all prospective jurors and sent a qualification questionnaire which must be completed and returned by the prospective juror to the Commissioner of Jurors.  In order to be qualified for service an individual must be: a U.S. citizen and a resident of the county in which they are called to serve, at least 18 years of age, they must not have a felony conviction, and must be able to understand and communicate in the English language. Those who meet these qualifications are eligible for jury service.

2. How long does a juror serve?
Trial Jurors serve for the length of one trial. On average, the length of a trial ranges from three to five days, although some are longer, some shorter. The judge or attorneys will inform you of the expected length of the trial.  Grand Jury terms of service vary by county.

3.  What about my job? Are jurors compensated?
By law an employer is prohibited from subjecting an employee to penalties or termination due to jury service. Jurors are paid $40.00 for each day of physical attendance if they do not receive their regular wages.  Employers of more than 10 employees have certain requirements under New York State law.

4.  How are jurors with disabilities accommodated?
If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to allow you to serve, the court will try to provide the services or auxiliary aids that you need. If you are a TDD or TTY user and need to communicate with the Commissioner of Jurors you may call them at the number provided on their specific link or you can call the relay service at 1-800-662-1220 and they will be able to place the call for you.    

5.  What if I need to be postponed or excused?
If the date you are summoned for is inconvenient, the law allows you one postponement to an available jury term date of your choice within six months.  You may call your local Commissioner of Jurors to obtain this postponement.  If (1) you are unable to serve as a juror because of undue hardship to yourself, a person under your care, or if you have a mental or physical condition that causes you to be incapable of performing jury service, and (2) you will not be able to serve even if granted a postponement, you may request to be excused.  Any request must include original documentation from you, the juror, describing the condition, your employment status, and setting forth why you cannot serve and also include original signed supporting documentation.