Jury Duty

A Jury Duty policy explains how employees should notify you about a summons, what time off and pay rules apply during service (including any state or local requirements), when employees are expected to report to work if they are not needed in court, and your organization's commitment to non-retaliation for participating in jury service.

How to Write a Jury Duty Policy

• Start with "why" and describe why civic duty is important for all citizens.
• Explain that employees should notify your organization when they receive a jury summons and provide updates during service.
• State that employees will be granted time off for required jury service.
• Describe how pay works during jury duty for exempt and non-exempt employees.
• Clarify whether employees must, may, or don't need to use accrued paid time off during jury service.
• Explain how employees should handle work time when they are not required to be in court.
• Require documentation of jury service (and any jury pay) after returning to work for payroll purposes.
• Confirm that benefits continue during jury duty leave.
• Include a non-retaliation and non-interference commitment for requesting or taking jury duty leave.

For advice on writing a Jury Duty policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.