Introduction
If you've received a summons to attend court for jury service, you can apply to be excused. This can be done online, or by email or post, at least one week prior to the summons date.
You can also apply in person on the day you report to court for jury service.
You'll need to show that you have 'good cause' to be excused when you apply.
Note: Being excused from jury service is not the same as being excluded or exempted from the jury roll. Find out more about who can and cannot serve as a juror.
Eligibility
Under the Jury Amendment Act 2010, you may have 'good cause' to be excused if:
- jury service would cause undue hardship or serious inconvenience to you or your family
- you have a disability that makes you unsuitable or incapable of effectively serving as a juror, without reasonable accommodation
- you have a permanent mental or physical impairment that makes you incapable of doing jury service, or that would injure your health if you were to do jury service
- there is a conflict of interest or some other knowledge, acquaintance, or friendship that you have, which may result in you being perceived as lacking impartiality as a juror.
The Sheriff may also consider excusing you in other circumstances, including if you:
- are a sole trader or contractor
- are a carer for children, an ill person, or a person with a disability, and are unable to make alternate care arrangements
- are in an advanced stage of pregnancy and/or having medical difficulties during your pregnancy
- have a mental or physical impairment that would make jury duty difficult
- are an emergency service operational employee
- are enrolled in studies and:
- need to attend lectures or exams, or
- you're living outside your jury district to undertake your studies
- have a pre-booked holiday or other travel commitments
- have difficulty accessing transport to court, including reliable public transport
- are unable to read and understand English.
What you need
- your juror number (you can find this on the top right of your summons)
- your date of birth
- your supporting documents, such as:
- a medical certificate issued by your medical practitioner
- your examination or class timetable
- a carer's card, or letter from a medical practitioner
- a statutory declaration (if you're unable to read and understand English), or
- flight, hotel, or tour confirmation documents.
If you're applying by post or email, you'll need:
- the form attached to your summons
- your supporting documents.
How to apply
Online
- Select the 'Apply online' button.
- Follow the prompts to apply to be excused from jury service.
Email or post
- Complete the form included with your summons.
- Gather your supporting documents and send your application to the details provided in your summons.
In person
On the day you report to court for jury service, take any supporting documents, such as letters from your employer or doctor with you. To ask to be excused, you can speak to:
- a Sheriff's staff member while you're still in the jury assembly area, or
- the judge or coroner when you're called into court (if your reasons are health-related or might cause you embarrassment or distress, you can write out your application and ask for it to be handed to the judge).
More information
- Penalties or fines apply if you provide false or misleading information in your application.
- The Office of the Sheriff will send you confirmation of its decision. For the status of your application, you can:
- check online, or
- call the Jury Information Line on 1300 722 574.
- How long you are excused from jury service will depend on your circumstances. It can be for a limited time, or for life.
- Call the Jury Information Line on 1300 722 574 if you need help.