Exemption or Deferral from Jury Duty

Exemptions

Generally, Indiana statutes don’t provide for any exemptions from jury service. There are two exceptions. The first permits individuals who are 75 years of age or over to claim an exemption under IC 33-28-5-18(d). The second is a narrow exception for individuals who serve on active military duty in the armed forces or Indiana National Guard under IC 10-16-16-1. 

Deferrals

If you have a conflict with the date when you have been summoned, you may request a deferral. Visit http://www.sjcjury.com. You will need to enter your juror ID number and your electronic signature. Both of these items appear on your Summons.

If you have any questions about exemptions or deferrals, contact Jury Administration at (574) 235-9506.

Qualification for Jury Service:

 In order to be eligible for jury duty, you must be:          

• A citizen of the United States
• At least 18 years of age
• A resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror
• Able to communicate in English
• Not suffering from a physical or mental disability that prevents you from performing your duties as a juror in a satisfactory manner
• Not under guardianship because of mental incapacity
• Not a person who has had your right to vote revoked and not yet reinstated as the result of a felony conviction
• Not a law enforcement officer, if the trial is for a criminal case 

Any other reason for which you would like to be excused from jury duty will be addressed by the judge the day you appear for jury selection. Only the judge is able to release you from jury duty, if you are not otherwise disqualified or if you cannot claim an exemption.