Common questions Californians have about serving jury duty

Californians often wonder about who is eligible to serve on a jury. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18, able to understand English, and reside in the county that called you. Many ask about compensation; by state law, starting on the second day, you receive $15 per day unless your employer pays you.

There are also questions about penalties, and skipping jury duty can lead to fines or even jail, according to California law. Lastly, some worry about age limits, but there is no maximum age; those over 70 can request an excuse for medical reasons without a doctor's note.

NO. 1: HOW OLD IS TOO OLD FOR JURY DUTY IN CALIFORNIA? HERE ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE

A reader asked How To California: “Is there an old age limit to serve jury duty?” | Published May 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

An empty jury box in a courtroom. By Guy Cali

NO. 2: CAN YOU GO TO JAIL FOR MISSING JURY DUTY? HERE’S WHAT CALIFORNIA LAW SAYS

While the jury selection process is random, some people can be summoned more often than others. | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

NO. 3: DO I HAVE TO RETURN MONEY FOR JURY DUTY? PAY TAXES? WHAT CALIFORNIA LAW SAYS

If your employer doesn’t pay you to serve on a jury, the state will provide a small daily wage. | Published May 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

The jury box in Judge Lee Grochmal’s courtroom in Whatcom County Superior Court. By Hannah Edelman

NO. 4: HOW LONG DOES JURY DUTY LAST IN CALIFORNIA? WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU GET A SUMMONS

“Judges are aware that long trials can be difficult,” the California Courts said. | Published July 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.