Exemptions
If you receive an exemption from jury duty, you will not be required to serve as a juror and will not need to attend the trial. You must apply for an exemption. The Jury Act describes the special circumstances when you may be excused from jury duty.
Some situations where you may be exempt from serving on a jury include:
- being a juror conflicts with the beliefs and practices of your religion or the religious order you belong to;
- serving on a jury may cause a “serious loss or hardship” to you or someone else. For example, you could not reasonably be a juror because you are mentally or physically disabled or you are responsible for looking after a disabled dependent;
- you are over the age of 65; or
- you are a full time student.
Requesting an Exemption
If you believe you should be excused from jury duty, a written request for exemption and the juror certification form must be given to the sheriff far in advance of the jury selection date.
The sheriff will determine if you are entitled to be exempt or not and will then, refuse or approve the exemption. If the sheriff refuses, you still may apply to the court for the exemption. The court will decide whether to approve or refuse your request.
You will not be required to sit as a juror for two years after having served as a juror.
More Information
For more information about why you could be exempt from jury duty, please visit:
