Jury duty. These are the two words nobody in New Jersey want to see on a letter when they open their mailbox. Jury duty can feel overwhelming, but it’s a civic responsibility that plays a vital role in the legal system. Here’s what to expect:
The first thing you should do when you get jury duty is to create a plan in case you are called to serve. Make sure your employer and your family know. Respond to the court notice promptly, and if you have a valid reason not to serve jury duty, plead your case to the court administration.
Just remember, you can get out of it now, but the notices will keep returning in the future if your reason for not serving now is because of a time-related issued.
Can You Get Out of Jury Duty?
You may request to be excused or deferred based on specific circumstances, like financial hardship, illness, or prior obligations. However, simply not wanting to serve isn’t enough. You’ll need to submit a formal request with supporting evidence to your local court.
How Long Is It Usually?
The length of jury duty can vary. A typical term lasts one to three days, but if you’re selected for a trial, it could last longer—especially if it’s a complex case. New Jersey uses the “One Day or One Trial” system, meaning once you complete your service, you generally won’t be called again for three years.
Do You Get Paid?
Yes, you get paid for jury duty, though the amount isn’t substantial. In New Jersey, jurors receive $5 per day for the first three days of service. If your service extends beyond three days, that pay increases to $40 per day. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing!
Can You Get Fired for Serving?
No, your employer cannot fire you or retaliate against you for fulfilling your jury duty obligations. New Jersey law protects employees, requiring companies to allow time off for jury duty. However, employers aren’t obligated to pay you during your service, so check your company’s policy on paid time off.
What It’s Like to Serve
Jury duty often involves waiting—a lot of waiting. You’ll spend time in a jury assembly room before possibly being called for a trial. Once chosen, you’ll be asked questions during a selection process (called voir dire) to ensure you can serve impartially. If picked, you’ll then listen to the case, deliberate, and help decide the verdict.
Why Do We Have Jury Duty?
Jury duty is a cornerstone of democracy. It ensures that ordinary citizens participate in the justice system, offering a fair and unbiased perspective on legal cases. By serving, you’re helping to uphold the right to a trial by jury, which is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
In short, while it might seem inconvenient, jury duty is a crucial part of ensuring fairness and justice in society. Plus, once you’ve served, you’re off the hook for at least three years!
