Jurors
Jury service is a fundamental pillar of the justice system. More than 400 residents in the District are called to serve as jurors each week, thus ensuring that justice is carried out. These pages provide helpful information on what to expect during jury service.To get started, see Receiving a Summons below.
See new video below!
The D.C. Superior Court will resume jury trials in April 2021. Jury trials are fundamental to our system of justice and jury service is one of the most important civic duties that citizens can perform. The right to trial by jury is guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and protects all of our rights and liberties. It is important that jurors represent a broad cross-section of our city.
We understand that you may be concerned about jury duty during the COVID-19 pandemic. In preparation for jury service, the Court has taken multiple precautions to ensure the health and safety of jurors, staff, and others in the courthouse with the guidance and recommendations from the D.C. Department of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and the Courts’ epidemiologist and industrial hygienist. Information about these safety measures can be found on the Court’s website at https://www.dccourts.gov/stepstokeepyousafe .
Please be assured that the Court is monitoring the pandemic closely and will keep you informed of any changes to your service based on current recommendations from the Department of Health and national health authorities.
Jurors who have completed the juror questionnaire may respond to the Court’s COVID-19 Juror Questionnaire which is located here 7-10 days in advance of their jury service date. Jurors may complete this questionnaire to request a disqualification, excuse, or postponement of their service for reasons related to COVID-19. Please be sure to hit the “submit” button once the questionnaire is completed. A staff member of the Jurors Office will reply to your request within 2 business days. Prior to your service date, you are also encouraged to watch the juror orientation video.
Prior to your jury service date, you are also encouraged to watch the juror orientation video
You should inform the Court if you need child care services (information on child care is available here: https://www.dccourts.gov/jurors/arranging-child-care) or ADA accommodations [email: interpreters [at] dcsc.gov] as soon as possible and before the date of service.
Thank you in advance for your service
Complete Form and Report
Jurors are selected from lists of registered District of Columbia voters, persons who have obtained driver's licenses or identification cards from the DC Department of Motor Vehicles, records provided by the DC Department of Tax and Revenue, and public assistance rolls. The law requires that residents complete and return juror qualification forms within 5 days of receiving it.
Please complete and return the juror qualification immediately even if planning to request a change in the date of service, known as a deferral. The form can be completed online (See the links to Deferrals and to Completing the Juror Qualification Form), returned in the postage-paid summons packet, or faxed to (202) 879-0012.
Unless the Court notifies otherwise or service deferral is granted, residents are required to report for jury service on the date and time indicated on the summons.
The Superior Court has implemented a call-in petit jury system. While calls for jury service will still be One Trial or One Day, prospective jurors will need to telephone in advance to see if they are required to report.
(Grand jurors will not need to call in; but should report as scheduled.)
Jurors are encouraged to take care of personal and medical needs during jury service--whether it's one day or for an extended period of time. If necessary, please see personal physician or health care provider to address medical concerns prior to arrival in the courthouse.
The following is a checklist of items that jurors should have in their possession (if needed) when reporting for jury service:
- Prescription medication (Rx)
- Over the Counter medication such as aspirin or other painkiller, allergy relief medication and cough drops
- Eyeglasses and/or contact lens solution
- Bottled water
- Light snacks
- Hand sanitizer/wipes
- Reading material
