Who is exempt from jury duty?

People use "exempt" loosely, but courts separate three ideas: whether you're qualified to serve at all, whether you're exempt (barred or excused by law because of your role), and whether you can be excused because of hardship or because you belong to a group the court lets opt out. Federal rules are set by the Jury Selection and Service Act. State rules are set by each state.

Federal qualifications

According to the U.S. Courts, to be legally qualified for federal jury service you must:

• be a U.S. citizen;
• be at least 18;
• have lived primarily in the judicial district for at least one year;
• be able to adequately read, write, understand, and speak English;
• have no disqualifying mental or physical condition that can't be addressed with an accommodation;
• not currently face felony charges punishable by more than a year in prison; and
• never have been convicted of a felony, unless your civil rights have been legally restored or were never lost.

If you don't meet these, say so honestly on the qualification questionnaire.

Federal exemptions

The U.S. Courts list three groups that are exempt from federal jury service and barred from serving even if they'd like to:

1. members of the armed forces and National Guard on active duty;
2. members of professional (not volunteer) fire and police departments; and
3. "public officers" of federal, state, or local government who are actively engaged full-time in public duties.

Federal excuses on request

Most federal district courts offer permanent excuses, on individual request, to designated groups for whom service would be an undue hardship. The U.S. Courts give examples: people over 70, people who have served on a federal jury in the past two years, and volunteer firefighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew. The lists vary by district, because each court has its own jury plan. Courts may also grant temporary deferrals or excusals for "undue hardship or extreme inconvenience." These are at the court's discretion and can't be appealed.

State rules differ

Each state writes its own list. As one example, Virginia's code has separate sections for people who are exempt from jury service, for people exempt on request, and for deferring or limiting service for particular occupational inconvenience or for people with legal custody of and responsibility for a child. Some states have no automatic exemptions and handle everything as case-by-case excuses. Others set an age at which you can opt out. Check your state's official jury page or the back of your summons.

How to claim an exemption or excuse

Follow the instructions on the summons or questionnaire. Many have a section where you mark the ground and attach proof. If you're asking for a hardship excuse, explain it clearly and briefly. Our letter builder can help. Until the court confirms, assume you still need to report.

Exempt, disqualified, excused: the vocabulary matters

These three words mean different things:

• Disqualified means you don't meet a legal requirement, such as citizenship, age or residence, or you have a disqualifying felony record. You can't serve.
• Exempt means you belong to a group barred from serving even if you'd like to. In federal court those groups are active-duty military, professional police and fire department members, and full-time public officers.
• Excused means you qualify but the court lets you off, either permanently because of a group excuse (such as age) or temporarily because of hardship.

Group excuses in federal courts

Most district courts offer permanent excuses, on individual request, to groups for whom service would mean undue hardship or extreme inconvenience. The U.S. Courts list examples:

• people over age 70;
• people who have served on a federal jury within the past two years; and
• volunteer firefighters and members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew.

These excuses aren't automatic. You must ask for one, usually on the questionnaire. Each of the 94 district courts sets its own list, which is published in its jury selection plan.

Temporary excuses for hardship

Courts can also defer or excuse jurors temporarily for "undue hardship or extreme inconvenience." The U.S. Courts note that excuses are granted at the court's discretion and can't be reviewed or appealed to Congress or any other entity. State courts work similarly. Virginia's answer book says you won't be excused because service is inconvenient, but you may be for reasons such as a physical ailment.

Health conditions and disability

A disability doesn't automatically disqualify anyone. Federal law disqualifies only conditions that can't be addressed with an accommodation. Courts commonly provide:

• assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters;
• accessible seating and entrances;
• extra breaks for medical needs.

If your condition makes service impossible, ask for an excuse and include a doctor's note. If you could serve with help, ask for an accommodation instead.

Frequently asked questions

Is being a student an exemption? Not federally. Many courts will postpone full-time students until a break, so ask.

Are teachers or doctors exempt? Not under federal law. Some states once had occupational exemptions, but many have narrowed or eliminated them. Check your state through our state directory.

I'm over 70. Do I still have to respond? Yes. Return the questionnaire and ask for the excuse if your court offers it.

How to claim an exemption or excuse, step by step

1. Read the questionnaire or summons for the list of exemptions and excuses your court recognizes.
2. Check the box or fill in the section that applies, and add a short explanation.
3. Attach documentation if asked, such as active-duty orders, a doctor's note, or proof of age.
4. Submit by the deadline using the official form or website.
5. Wait for written confirmation before assuming you're off the hook.

Key takeaways

• Federal exemptions cover only active-duty military, paid police and fire department members, and full-time public officers.
• Group excuses such as age over 70 must be requested.
• Hardship excuses are discretionary and can't be appealed.
• State rules differ, so always read your own summons.