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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT JUROR SERVICE IN NEW (NJ Judiciary)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT JUROR SERVICE IN NEW JERSEY
Table of Contents
Jury Service in General ............................................................................................................................ 2
1. Why Is It Important That I Serve As a Juror? ...................................................................................................... 2
2. What Lists Are Used As the Source For Jurors?. .................................................................................................2
3. How Are Prospective Jurors Selected to Be Summoned? ....................................................................................2
4. Why Do I Seem to Get Summoned Frequently but Others Don't? .......................................................................2
5. What Should I Do If I Lost My Juror Questionnaire/Summons? .........................................................................3
6. How Should I Respond If I Receive a Questionnaire/Summons Addressed to a Person Who Is Deceased? .......3
7. How Should I Respond If I Am Summoned as a Juror But No Longer Reside in NJ? ....................................... 3
The Jury System ........................................................................................................................................ 3
8. What Are the Different Types of Juror Service For Which I Might Be Summoned By the New Jersey
Judiciary? ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
9. Does Recent Service As a Federal Juror Affect My Scheduled Service In the NJ Superior Court? .................... 4
10. Does Recent Service In Another State Excuse Me From Serving In New Jersey? .............................................. 4
Juror Qualification / Disqualification ..................................................................................................... 4
11. What Are the Qualifications to Serve As a Juror? ............................................................................................... 4
Permissible Excuses .................................................................................................................................. 5
12. What Are the Reasons For Which I Can Request to Be Excused From Service? ................................................ 5
Failing to Report ....................................................................................................................................... 7
13. What Are the Penalties For Failing to Return My Qualification Questionnaire or Not Reporting For Service? 7
Rescheduling Your Summons Date ......................................................................................................... 7
14. Rescheduling Your Summons Date ..................................................................................................................... 7
Juror Call-off Process ............................................................................................................................... 7
15. What Is the Juror Call-Off System? .....................................................................................................................7
Compensation/Employment ..................................................................................................................... 8
16. How Are Jurors Compensated For Their Service? ............................................................................................... 8
17. Can I Get Verification For My Employer Of the Dates That I Served? ............................................................... 8
18. How Quickly Can I Expect to Receive Payment For Juror Service? ................................................................... 8
19. Is My Employer Required to Pay Me For Days I Served As a Juror? ..................................................................8
20. Is There Protection For My Employment While I Serve As a Juror? ...................................................................9
21. Do I Remain Eligible For Unemployment Benefits During My Service As a Petit Juror, Grand Juror, or State
Grand Juror? .........................................................................................................................................................9
Coming to the Courthouse to Serve ......................................................................................................... 9
22. Is There a Dress Code For Jurors Reporting? ...................................................................................................... 9
23. Where Can I Locate Public Transportation Information and/or Driving Directions? .......................................... 9
24. Will I Be Screened For Weapons When Entering the Courthouse? ..................................................................... 9
Page 2 of 9
Frequently Asked Questions about Juror Service in New Jersey
WARNING: Please note that the New Jersey Judiciary Jury Management Office does not contact
jurors to request personal or financial information by telephone or e-mail.
Jury Service in General
1.
Why Is It Important That I Serve As a Juror?
Jurors are an essential part of our justice system. The right to trial by jury in the United States dates from
Colonial times and is rooted in English history. It is guaranteed by the Sixth and Seventh Amendments to the
Constitution of the United States of America and Article One of New Jersey’s State Constitution. People
have a right to have matters determined by a jury of their peers. Participating in our judicial system is not
only an honor, but is also one of our civic duties. Although juror service may be inconvenient, citizens must
participate in the jury process in order for it to work. Cases that go to trial need to be resolved by citizens
who hear the evidence, determine the facts and render a verdict. It is impossible to get a fair cross-section of
the community to participate in the jury system if people do not report for jury service. If you ever found
yourself or a loved one involved in a civil or criminal trial, it's likely that you would want a jury of fellow
citizens who will be fair and impartial.
2.
What Lists Are Used As the Source For Jurors?
The Judiciary is required by statute to create a single list for juror selection that combines names of registered
voters, licensed drivers, filers of N.J. personal income tax returns, and applicants for homestead rebates. The
Judiciary vigorously reviews the names to ensure that each person has only one listing in the source file.
Citizens can assist that process by using their legal name when filing relevant forms and checking to ensure
that all information, including address and identifiers, is accurate.
3.
How Are Prospective Jurors Selected to Be Summoned?
Juror selection is a random process. Prospective jurors are selected by computer in no particular order.
Because each eligible record has the same chance of being selected at any time, some jurors are summoned
more frequently. In accordance with the statutory excuse grounds and in order to broaden service among
those on the list, a juror's name is made ineligible for selection for three years after service.
A summoned juror is mailed a letter style summons which contains the juror’s summons information and
which identifies the internet site at which the juror can complete his or her qualification questionnaire online.
Jurors who are requesting to be excused from juror service cannot respond online but must respond by mail
and provide supporting documentation with their completed qualification questionnaire. The printed
questionnaire will be mailed several weeks after the initial summons as part of a summons that also contains
the necessary reporting information.
4.
Why Do I Seem to Get Summoned Frequently but Others Do Not?
Because each eligible record in the source file has the same chance of being selected at any time, some jurors
are summoned more frequently. If you believe that you have been summoned within the past three years in
the same county and want to be excused on that basis, please note that information on your qualification
questionnaire when you return it to the Jury Management Office. If possible, please provide the date you
served and, if different, your name at the time you served. Your prior service will be reviewed.
Page 3 of 9
5.
What Should I Do If I Lost My Juror Questionnaire/Summons?
If you misplace your juror questionnaire/summons, you should immediately contact the Jury Manager in your
county. A list of Jury Managers, with e-mail addresses and phone numbers, is included on the Judiciary's
internet site at http://www.njcourts.gov/jurors/jurydir.html
. Click on the Jury Manager link located in the
middle of the page.
6.
How Should I Respond If I Receive a Questionnaire/Summons Addressed to a Person Who Is
Deceased?
It sometimes happens that a juror summons is issued in the name of a person who is now deceased. The
Judiciary regrets any such instances but they can occur due to the nature of the records that are required to be
included for juror service selection and to the timing of the receipt and processing of those records. The
Judiciary works to limit the number of such incidents, including by obtaining records from local offices of vital
statistics.
If you receive a juror questionnaire/summons addressed to a person who is deceased, we would appreciate it if
you would return the questionnaire, noting (in the area intended for change of name or address) that the person
to whom it is addressed is deceased. Also please provide (at that same location on the form) the date of death
and your relationship to the deceased. Then please provide your name and sign the questionnaire on the
signature line marked by the X in the white box on the bottom panel of the yellow questionnaire. That line
provides for the signature of the "prospective juror or the person completing form.”
That action will allow the Judiciary to make the record ineligible for selection and to retain the response for
record-keeping purposes. The Judiciary appreciates your assistance in responding in this way.
7.
How Should I Respond If I Am Summoned as a Juror But No Longer Reside in NJ?
Some persons who no longer reside in New Jersey may receive a juror summons. If you no longer reside in NJ
but are summoned as a juror, it is important that you respond by completing and submitting the juror
qualification questionnaire. It asks about county residency in question #1 and provides space to note your
current address, as verification that you no longer reside in New Jersey. You can respond online at
www.njcourts.gov/juror
. If you are a juror summoned to report in Atlantic County on or after February 25,
2019, please respond online at www.njcourts.gov/myjuryservice. It is important that you respond in this way
because it will allow the Jury Management Office to update your jury system record and will provide a formal
response to the summons, which will prevent later enforcement efforts if there is no response to the summons
(since N.J statutes require a response).
The Judiciary is required, for jury selection purposes, to merge lists of registered voters, licensed drivers, NJ
personal income tax filers, and applicants for homestead rebates every year for each county. Non-residents can
be summoned when changes are delayed during list processing or record holders have not updated their
records. You should also contact the agencies noted above in order to ensure that your records have been
updated. The Judiciary appreciates your assistance in responding in this way.
The Jury System
8.
What Are the Different Types of Juror Service For Which I Might Be Summoned By the New
Jersey Judiciary?
You may be summoned for one of three types of jury service. You may be summoned to serve as a Petit
Juror, a Grand Juror, or a State Grand Juror.
Page 4 of 9
● Petit Jury service includes criminal and civil trials. Petit jurors who sit on a criminal trial decide guilt or
innocence in a criminal matter. Petit jurors who sit on a civil trial decide liability or damages.
● Grand jurors determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move forward with criminal charges
against a defendant.
● State Grand Jury and county grand jury operate similarly but the State Grand Jury has statewide
jurisdiction and representation and meets in Trenton rather than one of the county seats.
Please also be aware that you may be summoned to serve as a federal petit juror or grand juror in U.S. District
Court. Such service is independent of N.J. Superior Court jury service. Federal courthouses are located in
Newark, Trenton, and Camden.
9.
Does Recent Service As a Federal Juror Affect My Scheduled Service In the NJ Superior
Court?
The three year excuse does not apply to federal jury service. Recent service as a federal juror does not
automatically relieve you from your petit jury civic obligation but you should include that information on
your juror qualification questionnaire and provide verification of your federal jury service. It may lead to
your service being rescheduled.
10.
Does Recent Service In Another State Excuse Me From Serving In New Jersey?
Recent service in another state does not excuse you from serving in New Jersey. Please be aware that it will
take some period of time for your name to be added to the four lists that provide names for random selection
as jurors. You may also request a postponement [for up to a year] of your scheduled service.
Juror Qualification / Disqualification
11.
What Are the Qualifications to Serve As a Juror?
In order to serve as a juror in N.J. you must meet the following six qualifications set forth in N.J. statutes
(N.J.S.A. 2B:20-1). The first six questions on the juror qualification questionnaire ask about these criteria.
You must be truthful in responding to these important questions:
● NJ Resident -You must reside in the summoning county at the time and during the period of your
juror service. If you moved, you must list the new address on the form and enclose proof of your new
residence.
● US Citizenship -You must be a citizen of the United States. Temporary or permanent legal residents of
the United States are not eligible to serve.
● Physical/Mental Condition -You must be physically and mentally able to perform the functions of a
juror, noting that the Judiciary will provide accommodations consistent with the Americans with
Disabilities Act. If you suffer from a medical condition that is unlikely to change within a year, and this
condition prevents you from serving jury duty, you must submit a doctor’s note indicating that you are
unable to perform jury duty. Please fill out the questionnaire, sign it, attach the doctor’s note and return it
to us as soon as possible. The doctor’s note must be written on your doctor’s letterhead and signed by
your doctor. Requests written by jurors to be excused for medical conditions without verification from a
doctor will be denied.
● Indictable Offense - You must not have been convicted of an indictable offense. Note that only
individuals who have been convicted or pled guilty to an indictable offense are disqualified from jury
duty. Please indicate any criminal record in response to question #4, noting the criminal charge, the year
and the state involved. The Jury Management Office will verify that the information you provide is
accurate.
Page 5 of 9
Examples of persons who would be disqualified are anyone who was convicted of, or pled guilty to, a
crime in Federal Court or Superior Court; or anyone currently on PTI (Pre-trial Intervention
Program.)
Examples of persons who would qualify to serve jury duty are anyone whose only convictions are
in Municipal Court (most traffic violations fall into this category, as do most shoplifting charges;)
or anyone who has been accused of a crime but has not yet been convicted or has yet to enter a
guilty plea.
Also, traffic offenses, juvenile and DWI related offenses that occurred in New Jersey are not grounds
for disqualification.
You are not disqualified with respect to criminal record if you successfully completed a Pre-Trial
Intervention program (PTI) for an offense and have not been convicted or pled guilty to another
disqualifying offense.
● Age - You must be at least 18 years of age on the date that you are scheduled to serve jury duty.
However, if you are 75 years of age or older, you may be excused from jury duty at your request, in
accordance with statutory grounds for excuse from juror service without requiring documentation of a
medical condition or other grounds for excuse.
● Language - You are required to be able to read and understand English. Many people who do not speak
English as their first language fear that they will not be able to understand what is going on in a
courtroom. However, the English spoken during a trial is not much different than the English people
speak at home, at work and among friends. If you speak English at work, you will most likely qualify to
be a juror. However, if you feel that your knowledge of the English language is not sufficient to perform
the duties of a juror, you must provide that information on your qualification questionnaire and return it to
the Jury Management Office. We will make a decision based on the information you provide to us.
Permissible Excuses
12.
What Are the Reasons For Which I Can Request to Be Excused From Service?
The N.J. statutes set forth, in N.J.S.A. 2B:20-10, grounds for which a person can request to be excused from
jury service. Each of these grounds is listed on the uniform juror questionnaire/summons. In most instances,
you will be required to submit supporting documentation for the Jury Management Office to determine
whether to grant your excuse from jury service. Many jurors who request to be excused instead have their
service rescheduled to a more convenient time which accommodates the juror's circumstances.
You may request to be excused from jury service if:
● You are 75 years of age or older.
If you are 75 years of age or older, you may be excused from jury duty at your request. No medical
excuse is required. In order to be excused, you must complete the Juror Qualification Form and check
the box on the juror summons that reads: PLEASE EXCUSE DUE TO AGE 75 OR OLDER. Please
write your age in the space provided and return the form to the Jury Management Office.
● You have served as a juror in the same county within the last three years.
If you have served in the county to which you are being summoned within the last three years and would
like to be excused, you must provide a letter of attendance as proof of your previous service or write on
the qualification form the approximate date you served and if different, your name at that time.
• Please note that if you served federal jury duty, jury duty in another state or in another New Jersey
county within the last three years, you are not entitled to be excused. The statute requires that your
prior service must have occurred in the summoning county, but you should still provide that
information on your qualification questionnaire.
Page 6 of 9
● You have a medical inability to serve as a juror.
If you suffer from a medical condition that is unlikely to change within a year, and this condition prevents
you from serving jury duty, you must submit a doctor’s note from a licensed physician, stating that you are
unable to serve as a juror now or for the next twelve (12) months. Requests written by jurors to be excused
for medical conditions without verification from a licensed physician will be denied.
●
You believe that you will suffer severe financial hardship.
In order to be excused for financial reasons, you must show that serving as a juror will cause a severe
financial hardship that will compromise your ability to support yourself and/or your dependents. To request
to be excused on the basis of severe financial hardship, you must complete and submit to the Jury
Management Office a certification (sworn statement) listing the sources of your household income; the
availability and extent of income reimbursement (meaning whether you will be paid during jury service); and
the impact of the length of service. The certification is posted here.
Submission of the certification is the
first step, and the court may request additional information and/or documentation. Jurors who report for
service may speak with the trial judge regarding any financial hardships based on the anticipated length of
the trial. You care for a minor child, or a sick, aged, or infirm dependent, and have no alternative care
available without suffering severe financial hardship.
● You care for a minor child, or a sick, aged, or infirm dependent, and have no alternative care
available without suffering severe financial hardship.
When requesting to be excused for any of these circumstances, keep in mind that the Jury Management
Office will grant you time to arrange for alternative care. Please be aware that the Judiciary will reschedule
juror service for mothers who are breastfeeding, or, if the juror elects to serve during that time, will provide
a suitable private location for their use during the day. In order to be excused from jury service due to any of
these circumstances, you must submit the proper documentation that indicates your role in the individual’s
daily care.
• If you are requesting an excuse based upon a personal obligation to care for a sick, aged, or infirm
dependent, you must submit a doctor’s note from a licensed physician, stating that you are the sole
caregiver and your continued presence is essential to the regular and personal treatment of that person.
• If you are requesting an excuse based upon a personal obligation to care for a minor child or children,
you must submit to the Jury Management Office a certification stating that you are personally obligated
to care for the minor child(ren) and acknowledging that the court may require further information and/or
financial documentation in support of the request. A certification form is available as an attachment to
these FAQs and is also posted here.
● You provide highly specialized technical health care services for which replacement cannot
reasonably be obtained.
In order to be excused under this ground, you must provide proof of licensing as a health care provider and
a letter from your employer verifying that no coverage can be reasonably obtained. Please note: physicians
are not automatically excused from jury service under this ground.
● You are a health care worker directly involved in the care of a person with a mental or physical
disability, and your continued presence is essential to the regular and personal treatment of that
person.
To be excused for this reason, you must provide a letter from your employer verifying that your continued
presence is essential to the regular and personal treatment of the person.
● You are full-time teacher of a grammar/high school during the school year for which a replacement
cannot be reasonably obtained.
Full-time teachers are not excused from jury duty on that basis alone. However, an excuse may be
requested by submitting a letter from the school superintendent confirming that you are on the full-time
instructional staff and indicating: that an excuse is needed due to the volume of teachers being called at that
particular time, or that you are a special education teacher for students with disabilities and it is essential or
you to be in attendance for your class. If you receive a summons directing you to report when you must
teach class and a replacement cannot be obtained, please request a postponement by indicating on the
qualification form a date when you can serve. The Jury Management Office will make every effort to
accommodate your specific request.
Page 7 of 9
● You are an active member of a volunteer fire department, fire patrol, first aid or rescue squad. If
you are a volunteer firefighter or volunteer member of a first aid or rescue squad and want to be
excused on that basis, you must provide a letter on letterhead from your fire captain/EMT squad
captain; or identification showing active volunteer status (must not be expired).
●
You are on active duty as a member of the United States military.
In order to be excused from jury service, you must be on active duty on the summons date and the military
service must be in the United States military, which includes members of the National Guard who are
assigned to active duty. You should provide information relating to your current assignment, such as a
copy of your orders, a letter from your commanding officer, or a copy of your ID card indicating an active
duty assignment.
Please be aware that the email address and telephone number for the Judiciary’s Jury Management
Office in each county is available at http://www.njcourts.gov/jurors/jurydir.html
.
The Judiciary thanks you for your service.
NOTE: Police officers and prosecutors are disqualified from serving as grand jurors but they may serve as
petit jurors unless they qualify for an excuse.
Failing to Report
13.
What Are the Penalties For Failing to Return My Qualification Questionnaire or Not
Reporting For Service?
Jurors who fail to respond or appear for jury duty, without a reasonable excuse, may be punished for contempt
of court pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B: 20-14b and subject to a fine of up to $500.00 or imprisonment.
Rescheduling Your Summons Date
14.
Rescheduling Your Summons Date
The Jury Management Offices mail summonses a minimum of five weeks in advance of the reporting date in
order to provide sufficient notice for jurors to make all necessary arrangements. If you have a conflict with
the days for which you have been summoned, you may request to be postponed. Requests must come directly
from the juror. Employers or others may not call or write on your behalf to request a postponement. You
should make your request on your qualification questionnaire that you return within ten days of receipt. If
some later occurrence affects your ability to serve on the summons date you should notify the Jury
Management Office as soon as possible in order to allow for timely processing.
● Petit Jurors - Please indicate on your questionnaire dates to which you would like your service to be
rescheduled. When deciding on your new reporting date, please keep in mind that jurors are not
summoned on State holidays, the week of Thanksgiving, or generally on Fridays in most counties and
during the last two weeks of the year.
● Grand Jurors -The term of grand jury service is generally one day each week for a specified number of
weeks. Depending on the nature of the request, service may be rescheduled to a future date.
● State Grand Jury - You will receive written notification and instructions regarding reporting to Trenton
for service as a State grand juror. The instructions will also indicate the procedures for requesting an
excuse.
Juror Call-off Process
15.
What Is the Juror Call-Off System?
Juror Call-off is a notification process used only for Petit Jurors, not Grand or State Grand Jurors, that provides
notification to jurors the night before their reporting date on whether they will need to report to the
Page 8 of 9
courthouse. It is done in order to provide greater convenience to jurors and also to reduce costs and relies on Jury
Managers' daily assessment of juror needs for the following day -- based on the most current information
available from trial judges and Judiciary division managers.
The juror call-off system is for Petit jurors only. To determine if you are required to report as summoned,
you must call the Jury Management Office or go to http://www.njcourts.gov/jurors/juryreporting.html after
5:00 the evening before you are summoned to report for service. If you are a juror summoned to report in
Atlantic County on or after February 25, 2019, your reporting instructions can also be found online through
the eResponse portal at www.njcourts.gov/myjuryservice. These messages will provide reporting
instructions for your scheduled service. If you are unable to access the message, you must report as
indicated on your summons.
The Judiciary now also provides an additional service to jurors by allowing summoned jurors, when
completing their juror qualification questionnaire online to request text or email messages regarding their
juror service. Those jurors who opt in for this service will receive a reminder message about four days prior
to their summons date as well as messages that will provide the call off information discussed above. During
inclement weather situations, all jurors, including those who will opt in for text or email messages, should
still check the court closing website, http://www.njcourts.gov/courts/closings.html,
prior to reporting to the
courthouse.
Compensation/Employment
16.
How Are Jurors Compensated For Their Service?
Jurors' daily fee is set by statute at $5 per day for grand jurors and for petit jurors (N.J.S.A. 22A:1-1.1). In
addition to that daily fee, the statute requires that petit jurors receive an additional $35 per day starting on their
fourth consecutive day of service and each day thereafter. Where available, parking is provided. Other
amenities for jurors are noted on each county's internet juror call-off site, which can be accessed at:
http://www.njcourts.gov/jurors/juryreporting.html.
17.
Can I Get Verification For My Employer Of the Dates That I Served?
The Jury Management Office can provide written verification for you and/or your employer that will show
each date that you served as a juror. If you do not receive that document while at the courthouse during your
juror service, you may request it later but please note that the request needs to come from you or from your
employer on company letterhead. The verification document will be mailed to the juror's address. Please note
that you will only get verification for the dates which you actually reported for service.
18.
How Quickly Can I Expect to Receive Payment For Juror Service?
Juror payrolls are processed each Friday, except holidays. Therefore, a juror may receive more than one
check if that juror served in different weeks. Checks are processed centrally in Trenton in order to reduce
costs and are generally mailed within a week of the Friday processing. Please note that juror fees are
considered to be reimbursement for expenses incurred while serving, rather than income. You will not
receive a Form 1099 relating to your juror fees.
19.
Is My Employer Required to Pay Me For Days I Served As a Juror?
In New Jersey there is no statutory requirement that a private employer pay your salary during juror service.
Whether or not your employer pays you for jury duty depends on your employment situation, including
employers' policies, union contracts, and the like. The State of New Jersey will pay you the appropriate juror
fee as set forth in the New Jersey statutes. The Jury Management Office is aware that many employers do not
pay their employees during jury duty. If service as a juror will create a severe financial hardship, as set forth
in N.J.S.A. 2B:20-10, you may request to be excused. But please be aware that non-payment by your
employer, by itself, is not a valid reason to be excused from service. Each situation will be reviewed
individually.
Published: 2/2019, CN: 12255
Page 9 of 9
If you are employed full time by the State of New Jersey you will receive your usual compensation while you
serve as a juror. However, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2B:20-16 you will not receive juror fees. This law
applies to persons employed full time by any agency, independent authority, instrumentality of the State of
any political subdivision of the State (such as counties or municipalities). Jurors affected by this policy
should notify the Jury Management Office when they report for service. If a check is issued to you in error,
you will be required to return it to the Jury Management Office.
20.
Is There Protection For My Employment While I Serve As a Juror?
N.J.S.A. 2B:20.17 prohibits an employer from penalizing you because you serve as a juror. Penalties for a
violation of this statute include the possibility of a criminal charge, as a disorderly person’s offense, and
a possible civil action for monetary damages and for reinstatement of employment.
21.
Do I Remain Eligible For Unemployment Benefits During My Service As a Petit Juror, Grand
Juror, or State Grand Juror?
Yes, you remain eligible for unemployment benefits. They are not affected by service as a juror because there
is a statute, N.J.S.A. 43:21-4(c)(5), that protects a person's benefits during juror service. That statute states the
following:
(5) An unemployed individual, who is otherwise eligible, shall not be deemed unavailable for
work or ineligible solely by reason of the individual's attendance before a court in response to a
summons for service on a jury.
If an employment interview is scheduled on a day on which you need to report for juror service, notify the
Jury Management Office, in advance if possible, and your service will be rescheduled to a later date. Please
be aware that verification may be required.
Coming to the Courthouse to Serve
22.
Is There a Dress Code For Jurors Reporting?
Jurors reporting for service should wear clothing appropriate for an appearance in court. Shorts, t-shirts,
uniforms or clothing containing statements or offensive symbols are not permitted. All hats must be removed
when in a courtroom. Comfortable clothing is also advisable.
23.
Where Can I Locate Public Transportation Information and/or Driving Directions?
● Public transportation information can be found by searching the internet, as well as on the NJ Transit
website.
● Directions to each courthouse can be found on the Judiciary internet site http://www.njcourts.gov/courts/
directions/directions.html.
24.
Will I Be Screened For Weapons When Entering the Courthouse?
In order to ensure the safety of those entering NJ courthouses, all persons, including jurors, are screened when
entering a NJ Superior Court courthouse. Chemical agents, pepper sprays, or anything resembling a weapon,
including scissors, will not be permitted into the Courthouse - for the safety of the public. Please pay attention
to additional instructions, on the questionnaire/summons and the internet, about cell phones and other
electronic devices. Also, be aware that all metal objects will activate the metal detector and will need to be
placed in the trays before passing through the metal detector. If the metal detector is activated as you pass
through, you will be screened by an officer using a handheld metal detector. Purses and other carried items,
such as briefcases and backpacks will be x-rayed. Any illegal items will be confiscated. The fewer metal
items you are carrying, the faster you will pass through the screening process.
Promulgated by October 31, 2017 Administrative Director Memorandum, CN 12140
Superior Court of New Jersey
Certification in Support of Request for Excuse from Jury Service:
Personal Obligation to Provide Care for Minor Child(ren)
Name
County
Participant Number
Phone or
Email
Summons Date
I, , of full age, hereby certifies as follows:
This certification is made by me in support of my request to be excused from jury service on
, in County.
A person may be excused from jury service for particular reasons, including:
c. Jury service will impose a severe hardship due to circumstances which are not likely
to change within the following year. Severe hardship includes the following
circumstances:
3. The prospective juror has a personal obligation to care for another, including…a
minor child, who requires the prospective juror’s personal care and attention, and no
alternative care is available without severe financial hardship on the prospective juror
or the person requiring care. N.J.S.A. § 2B:20-10(c)(3).
I am personally obligated to care for the following minor child/ren (attach additional sheets as
necessary):
Child’s Name Child’s Age
1.
2.
3.
4.
I understand that I may be required to provide further information and/or financial documentation for
review by the court in support of this request.
I hereby certify and say that the foregoing statements made by me are true. I am aware that if any of
the foregoing statements made by me are willfully false, I am subject to punishment.
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Published: 12/2018, CN: 12255 page 1 of 2
New Jersey Judiciary
Certification in Support of Request to be
Excused from Jury Service Due to
Severe Financial Hardship
Name
County
Participant Number
Phone
Email
Summons Date
I, , of full age, hereby certify the following:
This certification is made by me in support of my request to be excused from jury service on
(date) , in County.
New Jersey law permits an excuse from jury service based upon severe financial hardship, as follows:
Jury service will impose a severe financial hardship, which will compromise the juror’s ability to support
himself, herself, or dependents. In determining whether to excuse the prospective juror, the Assignment Judge
shall consider:
(a) the sources of the prospective juror’s household income; and
(b) the availability and extent of income reimbursement; and
(c) the expected length of service.
[N.J.S.A. § 2B:20-10(c)(2)]
As to part (a): How many people are in your household?
What was your gross household income during the prior year? $
As to part (b): Are you employed? full-time part-time unemployed
Will you be paid at all during jury service? Explain.
If No, please provide a letter from your employer stating you will not be paid for jury service.
As to part (c): If at all, how many day(s) could you report (or be on call) without a severe financial
hardship?
Explain why jury service would present a severe financial hardship, as defined by law:
I have read and understood the instructions on the following page.
I understand that I may be required to provide documentation for review in support of this request.
I hereby certify and say that the foregoing statements made by me are true. I am aware that if any of the
foregoing statements made by me are willfully false, I am subject to punishment.
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Published: 12/2018, CN: 12255 page 2 of 2
Juror Financial Hardship Request Information
Jury service is a civic responsibility, as well as an opportunity to participate in the court process.
If qualified, all persons should serve as jurors to ensure that juries reflect the community.
A jury summons may be received at a time that is inconvenient, whether for financial or other
reasons. All persons summoned for jury service may be rescheduled once without explanation
and a second time upon request to the local jury management office.
This form is designed for persons who are requesting to be excused from reporting at all –
meaning that to report or to be on call even briefly is a severe financial hardship.
Even if you do not qualify to be excused prior to reporting for service, you may always request
an excuse if the anticipated length of a trial would create a severe financial hardship.
A person requesting a pre-reporting excuse based upon severe financial hardship must be
prepared, upon request, to provide supporting documentation such as a prior year’s redacted tax
return or proof of eligibility for public assistance or Social Security Disability benefits.
Employed persons may also be required to provide a letter from their employer or official human
resources documentation regarding income reimbursement policy.
Authority to excuse a juror on the basis of severe financial hardship is vested in the Assignment
Judge, and there is no single formula. For example, an unemployed person receiving public
assistance could be required to report if reporting does not compromise employment
opportunities. On the other hand, a juror with greater household income may be excused if
reporting would compromise the juror’s ability to provide for himself, herself, or dependents.
Submitting the completed certification form is required but is only the first step in requesting an
excuse. The Assignment Judge may always request additional information and/or
documentation in support of any excuse request, including a request based upon severe
financial hardship.
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Completed 21 July 2020

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