Many people have questions about jury duty. We have tried to answer some of the most common questions. If you require further assistance, please contact the court office at the number shown on the summons. If you do not have the number and are unsure which local court office to contact, you can find a listing of court offices at: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/courts/cadaddr.asp

Why have I been summoned?

1. Does this summons mean that I am a juror?
No. You will be a member of a “jury panel”, which is a large group of people who are potential jurors. The jury (or juries) for an upcoming trial(s) will be selected from this panel.

2. Why do I have to serve as a juror?
As a Canadian citizen, it is your civic duty to respond to a jury summons and, if chosen, to serve as a juror.

3. I didn't do anything wrong. Why do I have to go to court?
You are not "going to court", and you are not being punished. This summons is for jury duty. You are merely being called as a potential juror for a trial.

How do I plan for Jury Duty?

1. How long will I have to be at the courthouse?
While panel members are “on-call” for 2 or 3 weeks, your actual attendance at the courthouse is normally 3 to 5 consecutive days in Toronto, or 1 to 2 days outside Toronto. Outside Toronto, these may be either consecutive Mondays or will depend upon the number of trials that require juries that are scheduled to commence during that “on-call” period.
If you are selected from the panel to sit on a jury, the length of time you may be required to attend will depend upon the nature of the trial. The presiding justice may advise you of the estimated length of trial during the jury selection proceedings.

2. How long will the day in court be?
The date and time you are required to come to court is shown on the summons. The court day usually lasts until 4:00 or 5:00 p.m.

3. Will I have to stay in a hotel overnight?
The only time a jury stays in a hotel is if, at the time of a trial, they have not reached a decision by late in the evening. Usually, jurors go home at the end of each court day.

4. What do I do if I have small children?
It is your responsibility to make your own child care arrangements. In cases of serious hardship, contact the court office.

5. Who will pay for my child care?
There is no allowance for child care expenses.

6. Are parking facilities available?
Parking facilities vary from courthouse to courthouse. Therefore, we encourage the use of public transportation. You are responsible for payment of your own parking fees. In some areas where public transportation is not available, your local court office may have made parking arrangements to assist you. If you are unsure as to the local parking arrangements you may contact the local Courthouse.

7. What should I do if I have no means of transportation available?
Check to see if there is public transportation available. If not, contact the court office to discuss.

Will I get paid?

1. Do I get a travel allowance and a fee for jury duty?
A travel expense allowance is paid to panel members who live more than 40 kilometres from the court.
Once you are selected from the panel to serve on a particular trial, you will receive a travel expense allowance for each and every day of trial if you live outside the city/town in which the court is located. Jurors who live in the same city/town as the court are not entitled to this travel allowance.
Also, if you are required to attend for more than 10 days, you will begin to receive a daily fee starting on the 11th day, regardless of where you live. From days 11-49, the fee is $40.00/day and, in the rare occasions where you may be required to serve for 50 days or more, this increases to $100.00/day.

2. What do I do about my job?
Employers are required by law to allow employees time off for jury duty. If your absence would cause serious hardship to your employer, please contact the court office.

3. Does my employer have to pay me during jury duty?
The law does not require employers to pay your salary during jury duty, but some employers have an arrangement to pay your salary. You should speak with your employer to determine the arrangements at your place of employment.

4. I am receiving Employment Insurance benefits. Will this affect my benefits?
E.I. legislation allows claimants to attend for jury duty and to continue to receive benefits. Contact your nearest E.I. Centre for information and confirmation.

What if I have difficulty in attending for jury duty?

1. I have planned and paid for my vacation. What do I do?
If you have conflicting plans, your jury duty may be postponed until a later date. You will be required to produce proof of your plans to the court office. Contact the court office for more information.

2. What if attending for jury duty at this time would cause me, or others dependent upon me, serious hardship?
If this is a particularly difficult time for you to attend, because of your employment, business, schooling, or personal circumstances, you can, by a request in writing, ask to have your jury duty postponed to a later date. These requests should ONLY be made in cases of serious hardship. You will be notified if a postponement is granted. Please note that a new date for future jury duty will be arranged. In cases of serious personal hardship, if you wish to request to be excused from jury duty, you must make your request in writing, with supporting documentation. Your request will be considered by a Justice.

3. I have a medical problem. What should I do?
If your medical problem would prevent you from serving as a juror, you may be in a position to request a postponement until another time.

4. I am over 65. Do I still have to attend?
Being over 65 does not disqualify you from attending as a juror. If jury duty would cause you serious hardship, please contact the court office.

5. My son/daughter received a summons to attend for jury duty and is away at school. What should I do?
Please return the summons to the address on the summons. Indicate which school he/she is attending, and when you expect him/her to return. Your son/daughter could possibly be called for jury duty at a later date.

6. I no longer live in the area; or, I work away from home during the week.
If you no longer live in the county/district/regional municipality/municipality, return your jury summons to the court office with a letter explaining your situation and indicating your new address. If you reside in the area, but work and live away from home during the week, you must attend for jury duty.

7. I have a disability. Is the court accessible?
There is a toll-free number you can call to obtain information about accessible court accommodations across the Province. The number is 1-800-387-4456 (Voice/TDD). This number is to be used ONLY by persons with disabilities. All other jury inquiries should be made to the telephone number of the court office shown on the summons. If you have not retained that number on your summons, you can find a listing of court addresses at the following site: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/courts/cadaddr.asp

For comments or questions related to jury duty, please email juryduty@jus.gov.on.ca.