What to bring to jury duty (and what to leave home)

Jury duty days involve a lot of waiting, a security line, and sometimes a long walk from the parking lot. A little preparation makes the day far easier. Always check your summons and the court's website first, because rules on phones, laptops, and dress differ by courthouse.

The night before

• Confirm you still need to report. Many courts use a phone line or website to tell jurors the evening before. Colorado, for example, lists a "night before" number for each county. Trials settle often.
• Arrange childcare. Colorado's jury page reminds jurors to arrange childcare beforehand, because you can't bring children with you. Most courts are the same.
• Tell work your plan, if you haven't already. See our employer letter.
• Plan the route and parking. Some federal courts reimburse parking, according to the U.S. Courts. Keep receipts.

Bring

• Your summons and any juror badge or number, plus any questionnaire the court asked you to bring completed. Colorado, for example, asks jurors to bring a completed juror questionnaire.
• Photo ID.
• Something to occupy you. Colorado's page suggests a book. Bring something quiet and offline-friendly in case devices are restricted.
• Phone charger, if phones are allowed.
• Snacks and a water bottle, if permitted, and any medications you need during the day.
• A sweater. Courtrooms can be cold.
• Reading glasses or hearing aids, so you can follow the proceedings. Tell the court if you need an accommodation.

Leave at home (or check first)

Courthouses screen visitors much like airports do. Colorado notes that most of its courthouses have security screening similar to what you'd experience at an airport. Leave anything that could be considered a weapon at home, including pocketknives, multi-tools, and pepper spray. Check whether laptops, tablets, or cameras are allowed. Some courts restrict phone use in courtrooms and ask selected jurors to hand devices in during deliberations.

What to wear

Dress comfortably but respectfully. Many courts ask jurors to avoid shorts, tank tops, and clothing with slogans. The federal trial jurors' handbook has a section on courtroom etiquette, and the judge will explain expectations.

Before you leave for the day

Ask for a certificate or proof of attendance for your employer, and find out whether and when you need to come back. Note your days of service for your pay records. See the pay calculator.

A printable checklist

Documents

• Your summons or reporting notice, plus any barcode or juror number
• Government-issued photo ID
• Parking pass or transit information, if the court provided it
• Your employer's attendance form, if your HR department uses one

Comfort

• A sweater or light jacket (assembly rooms and courtrooms are often cold)
• Water bottle, if the court allows it
• Snacks for the assembly room (food is typically not allowed in courtrooms)
• Any medications you need during the day

Time-fillers

• A book, magazine or e-reader
• Phone charger or portable battery (check the court's device rules)
• Quiet work you can do on paper

Accessibility

• Hearing aids, glasses, and any mobility aids
• A note of any accommodation you requested in advance

Why the waiting happens

Virginia's official answer book explains that cases often settle at the last minute, so jurors may wait a while before learning whether they'll be chosen. It suggests bringing a book, needlework, a crossword or something to write, or getting to know your fellow jurors. Plan for a full day even if you hope to finish early.

Rules about phones and devices

Courts allow phones in assembly rooms but restrict them in courtrooms. Once you're on a jury, the rules get much stricter. The federal trial juror handbook says jurors must not use phones, computers, the internet, text messaging or social media to communicate about the case or research it, including looking up legal terms. You may be asked to turn devices off or hand them in during trial.

Security screening

Expect airport-style screening at the courthouse entrance. Items that typically cause problems:

• knives of any size, including pocket knives and multitools;
• scissors, metal nail files and knitting needles (check your court's rules);
• pepper spray;
• anything that could be considered a weapon.

If an item is confiscated, it may not be returned. Leave it at home or in your car.

Courtroom manners

The handbook asks jurors to follow common courtesy. No reading newspapers or magazines in the courtroom, and no conversations with other jurors during trial. Everyone rises when the judge enters and leaves. Wear your juror badge if you're given one, and don't loiter in corridors where you might bump into people involved in the case.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my laptop? Often yes in the assembly room, and rarely in the courtroom. Check your court's website.

What if I need to leave for a personal emergency? Tell court staff. The federal handbook says you can send word to the judge through any court staff member, or ask to see the judge privately.

Food, breaks and lunch

Most courts give jurors a lunch break and other breaks during the day. The Virginia answer book confirms that jurors get a lunch break and may get others during a trial. Some courthouses have a cafeteria or vending machines. Others don't, and you may have limited time to find food nearby. If you have dietary needs, packing a lunch is the safest choice. During deliberations, some courts provide meals so jurors can keep working, so mention any allergies to court staff.

Parking and transportation

Check your summons for parking instructions before the day. Some courts provide free or validated parking, and others expect jurors to use public lots or transit. In federal court, jurors may be reimbursed for reasonable transportation costs and, in some courts, parking fees. Keep receipts in case your court requires them. Plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early so security lines don't make you late.

Key takeaways

• Bring your summons, photo ID, a layer of warm clothing, and something quiet to do.
• Leave anything that could fail security screening at home.
• Expect strict device rules once you're on a jury.
• Check your court's website the night before for updates.