Jury Duty: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

No Exemptions or Excuses in New York State

In New York State, there are no automatic exemptions or excuses from jury service. Every eligible person must serve. While there is a list of specific excuses that can be used to be exempt from reporting for jury duty, such as being an elected official, a student, or a member of the military, these are not automatic disqualifications.

Grand Jury Duty

The length of service for a grand juror can vary from two weeks to a month or more. During this time, grand jurors will hear evidence in secret and decide whether there is enough evidence to indict someone for a crime.

Important Information

If your Jury Summons indicates you have been previously postponed, you must still appear on the date indicated.

Grand juries do not have a judge present, and it is the grand jury's responsibility to determine if there is sufficient evidence to put someone on trial.