What to Say When Calling About Jury Duty

Last updated: July 31, 2026

Call the number printed on your summons with your juror number and reporting date in hand. To postpone: "I received a jury summons for [date]. My juror number is [number]. I have a conflict due to [reason]. I'd like to request a postponement — what dates are available in the next few months?" Court clerks handle these calls all day. Scripts for postponing, hardship exemptions, and scheduling questions are below.

Why this call feels hard

There's something uniquely intimidating about anything involving the court system. The summons arrives with official language, a juror number, and the implied threat of penalties if you don't show up. About 32 million Americans receive a jury summons each year (National Center for State Courts), and most people have the same questions: Can I postpone? Do I have to go? What happens if I can't? The answers are almost always more flexible than the summons makes it sound. Court clerks handle these calls all day, and a straightforward phone call can resolve most scheduling issues in a few minutes.

Before you call

• Have your summons in hand — you'll need your juror number, the reporting date, and the court name. The phone number to call is printed on the summons itself.
• Check the court's website first — many courts let you postpone or confirm your service online. You may not even need to call.
• Know your reason — for a postponement, have specific dates you're unavailable and a general reason (travel, medical, childcare, work conflict). For an exemption, know what your grounds are.
• Check your employer's jury duty policy — some employers pay full salary during jury service, others pay partial or nothing. This matters if you're considering a financial hardship exemption.

Script: Postponing jury duty

Most courts grant one postponement without much pushback. You'll typically be rescheduled 3 to 6 months out. The clerk may give you a new date on the spot or mail you a revised summons. Ask for a confirmation number or reference so you have a record of the change.

Script: Asking about scheduling and what to expect

Many courts have a call-in system or website where you check the evening before to see if you actually need to report. If your group number isn't called, you don't go in. Ask about this — it's not always obvious from the summons. Also ask about what to bring (ID, the summons) and what's not allowed (some courts restrict phones).

Script: Financial hardship exemption

Financial hardship exemptions vary by jurisdiction. Some courts grant them over the phone; others require a written request or documentation. Jury pay is notoriously low — often $15 to $50 per day depending on the state — so if your employer doesn't cover the difference, the hardship is real. Be honest and specific about the financial impact.

If they say no

• Ask about postponement instead of exemption. If they won't excuse you entirely, a postponement to a less disruptive time may still help: "If an exemption isn't possible, could I at least postpone to [month]?"
• Ask about shortened service. Many courts now use "one day or one trial" systems, meaning you serve for one day unless you're selected for a trial. Ask: "Is this a one-day-or-one-trial court?"
• Request the process in writing. If you want to formally appeal, ask: "Can you tell me the process for submitting a written hardship request? Is there a form I need to fill out?"
• Don't just skip it. Ignoring a jury summons can result in fines or a contempt of court order. If you genuinely can't serve, go through the proper channels.

Tips

• Call as soon as you get the summons. Don't wait until the week before your reporting date. The sooner you call, the more scheduling flexibility the court has.
• Be polite and straightforward. Court clerks deal with people who are angry about jury duty all day. A calm, respectful tone goes a long way — and they're more likely to help you find a workable solution.
• Know that most people aren't selected. Even if you report for jury duty, there's a good chance you'll be dismissed during voir dire (jury selection) and sent home the same day. It's often less disruptive than people expect.