After jury service: talking about the case, pay and coping

When the verdict is read and the judge thanks the jury, your service is nearly over, but a few things are worth knowing as you leave. This guide covers what you can say about the case, how to handle questions from lawyers or reporters, the paperwork to collect, and how to look after yourself if the trial was hard to sit through.

Make sure your service is actually finished

The federal Handbook for Trial Jurors notes that after the jury is dismissed, jurors are free to go about their normal affairs. In some districts, though, jurors must check with the jury office to see whether their term of service has ended. If you were on a multi-week term, being discharged from one trial may not end your obligation. Ask before you leave.

Can I talk about the case now?

Generally yes, once the judge has discharged the jury, unless the judge orders otherwise. The handbook says jurors are under no obligation to speak to anyone about the case and may refuse all requests for interviews or comments.

A few limits:

• The court may enter an order in a specific case saying that, in any interview, jurors may not disclose how other jurors voted.
• Respect your fellow jurors' privacy. Speak about your own experience, not theirs.
• If the case is going to be retried, for example after a hung jury, the judge may ask jurors not to discuss it.

If lawyers or reporters contact you

After some trials, the lawyers ask to talk with jurors to learn how they could have presented the case better. Reporters may approach jurors in high-profile cases. You can:

• say yes, and share only what you're comfortable with;
• say no, politely ("I'd prefer not to discuss it"); or
• ask the court for help if contact becomes unwanted or harassing.

Federal Rule of Evidence 606(b) generally bars jurors from testifying about deliberations to challenge a verdict, except about extraneous prejudicial information, outside influence, or mistakes on the verdict form. If someone asks you to sign a statement about what happened in the jury room, you can decline. If it involves outside influence or improper information, consider letting the court know.

Collect your paperwork

Before you leave, or soon after, make sure you have:

1. Attendance certificates for every day you reported, for your employer and your records.
2. Payment information. Confirm the court has your correct mailing address or deposit details. Federal jurors receive $50 a day, and longer service can raise that to as much as $60 a day.
3. Travel receipts, if your court reimburses parking or transit.
4. Any letter confirming completion, especially if your employer requires one.

Juror pay is taxable. IRS Publication 525 explains how to report it, and how to deduct fees you turned over to an employer that kept paying your salary. See is jury duty pay taxable?.

Back at work

• Give your employer the attendance certificates promptly.
• If your employer requires you to turn over juror fees, follow the process and keep proof.
• Federal law protects permanent employees from being fired, threatened or coerced because of federal jury service, and states have their own protections. If you face retaliation after you return, contact the jury office and consider talking to an employment lawyer. See jury duty and your job.

Coping with a difficult trial

Some trials involve disturbing evidence, such as violent crimes, graphic images or traumatic testimony. It's normal to feel unsettled afterward. Common reactions include trouble sleeping, replaying the evidence, irritability, or second-guessing the verdict.

Things that help:

• Talk it through with someone you trust now that you're allowed. Many jurors find this the most helpful step.
• Keep your routine and get some physical activity.
• Ask the jury office about support. Some courts offer debriefing sessions or referrals to counseling for jurors after difficult trials.
• Use your employee assistance program (EAP) if your employer has one.
• Seek professional help if symptoms last for weeks or interfere with daily life. In a crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If you were an alternate

Alternate jurors hear all the evidence but are usually excused before deliberations begin, if they aren't needed. That can feel anticlimactic. The judge may ask alternates to stay available, and not discuss the case, until the verdict is in, in case a deliberating juror has to be replaced. Once the jury returns its verdict or the judge releases you, the same post-trial guidance applies to you.

How soon could I be called again?

Many federal districts excuse people on request who have served on a federal jury within the past two years. State rules vary, and many states set a minimum period between summonses. Federal and state courts keep separate pools, so serving in one doesn't automatically excuse you from the other. Keep a record of your service dates in case you need to claim an excuse.

Giving feedback

Many courts send jurors an exit questionnaire about the experience. Your comments on parking, waiting time, facilities or how instructions were explained do get read and can improve the process for future jurors.

Frequently asked questions

Can I contact the defendant or a witness after the trial? You can, legally, in most cases once you're discharged. It's generally unwise, and judges sometimes discourage it. Think carefully first.

Can I write about my experience? Usually yes after discharge, subject to any court order. Avoid revealing other jurors' votes or identities.

What if I regret my vote? That's a common feeling. Regret alone isn't grounds to change a verdict. If it's weighing on you, talk to someone or seek counseling.

Key takeaways

• Check with the jury office that your term has actually ended.
• You may discuss the case after discharge, but you don't have to.
• Collect attendance and payment records for your employer and your taxes.
• Look after your well-being and ask the court about support after a difficult trial.