Jury Service - General Information The right to a trial by jury is the privilege of every person in the United States, whether that person is a citizen or an alien. This cherished right is guaranteed by both the U.S. and California Constitutions. Jury trial cannot be held unless people - citizens of the state in which the trial is held - are willing to perform their civic duties. Jurors are essential to the administration of justice.

Trials allow two or more parties to settle disputes. While judges decide certain lawsuits alone, many others are decided by a jury. In the most simple terms, a jury is a group of ordinary citizens. Anyone and everyone can be a juror. The role of the jury is to make an impartial decision based on evidence and information presented during the trial.

Jurors serve in two types of cases - civil and criminal. In a civil case, a person or an organization -the plaintiff- asks the court to protect a certain legal right or to help recover money or property from another party - the defendant. In a criminal case, the State of California is the plaintiff. The State charges that a person - the defendant- committed a crime, and asks that the defendant be fined or sent to jail or prison.

Qualifications for Jury Service

Any person 18 years of age, or older, a United States citizen and a resident of the county or district where summoned is qualified to serve as a juror. A potential juror must be able to understand English, and be mentally capable of serving.

Any person who has served on a jury during the past 12 months may be excused with proof of service. Any person convicted of a felony is ineligible for jury service. Also, under Section 830.1 or 830.2(a) of the California Penal Code, a peace officer is exempt from jury duty.

Instructions for Summoned Jurors

• Read the summons: The address, date and time of your appearance is written on the summons you were mailed. You may request to reschedule your jury service to a more convenient time by logging on to our E-juror website at https://ejuror.alameda.courts.ca.gov/. This website will also allow you to excuse yourself with limited conditions. No postponements or excuses will be granted on your day of appearance.
• Inform your employer: Your employer must allow you time off for jury duty. Employers cannot discharge an employee called for jury service as long as the employee gives reasonable notice of the summons.
• Call to receive reporting time: Your summons will have instructions directing you when to start calling to find out if you must report on your first day.
• Your day in court: Plan to attend court as a juror all day from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The time you are released will depend on the court's schedule. Please dress appropriately. Shorts, tank tops or bare feet are not permissible.