Jury Services

San Diego Superior Court Jury Services summons qualified individuals to perform a crucial civic responsibility that provides justice for all – serving on a jury. Jurors can be selected to serve on panels for criminal or civil trials.

Jury Duty General Information

SENATE BILL 310 – JURY SERVICE (FELONY CONVICTIONS)

An amendment to the Code of Civil Procedure section 203, which defines who is ineligible for jury duty. will take effect January 1, 2020. The new law makes persons previously convicted of a felony now eligible and qualified, unless they are incarcerated in any prison or jail, or persons who have been convicted of a felony and are currently on parole, post release community supervision, felony probation, or mandated supervision for the conviction of a felony, and persons who are currently required to register as a sex offender based on a felony conviction (Penal Code 290).

More information on the bill can be found here.

Qualifications for Jury Service

California law says you are qualified to be a juror if you:

  • Are a U.S. citizen
  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Are living in the State of California
  • Are a resident of the county that sent you the jury summons
  • Have had your civil rights restored if you were convicted of a felony or malfeasance while holding public office
  • Can understand English enough to understand and discuss the case
  • Are not currently on a grand jury or on another trial jury
  • Are not under a conservatorship

If you do not meet all of the qualifications listed above, please complete the Disqualification Section on the back of your Summons for Jury Service. Mark the appropriate box and fill in any information you are asked for. Then mail it to the court using the enclosed return envelope.

Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure, section 204(a), no one is exempt because of his or her occupation, economic status, race, national origin, ethnic group identification, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, color, disability, or for any other reason.

Length of Service

Most jury trials last 3 - 7 days, but some may go longer. The Superior Court uses the "One Day/One Trial" program under California Rules of Court, rule 2.1002, which is intended to make jury service more convenient by shortening the time that a person is required to serve to one day or one trial. Under the "One Day/One Trial" program and the Summons for Jury Service you received, you are only required to appear for jury service for one day unless you are assigned to a trial. If you are assigned to a trial and sworn in as a juror, you will continue your service until the trial is completed. Click here for more information.

Dress Code

Business casual dress is recommended.

Security

All jurors entering the courthouse are required to go through a weapons screening process conducted by the Sheriff's Department. Please do not bring into the courthouse any objects that could be used as a weapon; including but not limited to

  • Firearms/Ammunition

  • Knives (pocket knife, belt buckle knife, etc)

  • Metal Knuckles

  • Chains including wallet chains

  • Tools (hammer, screwdriver, wrench, etc)

  • Pepper spray, mace or tear gas

  • Cutting instruments (Scissors, letter opener, box cutter, hatchet, sword, etc.)

  • Handcuffs/handcuff keys

  • Syringes

  • Knitting needles, sewing needles, large safety pins

  • Glass Containers, ice picks, corkscrews and metal eating utensils

  • Lighters, torches, flammable liquids

  • Chemicals/Fertilizers that are corrosive or flammable

  • Explosives

Also prohibited are:

  • Skateboards, golf clubs and bats
  • Alcohol
  • Illegal drugs or paraphernalia
  • Laser Pointers
  • Graffiti tools – markers, paint, etching tools, etc.

If you have items that are not allowed, you may be asked to leave the courthouse and return without them.

Juror Pay

California pays jurors $15 every day starting on the second day of service, except employees of governmental entities who receive full pay and benefits from their employers while on jury service. All jurors receive at least 34 cents for each mile they travel to court. The mileage payment, only for one-way travel, also starts on the second day. Jurors serving at the Central Courthouse also have the option to receive transit passes for each day they serve.

Wireless Internet Access

The San Diego Superior Court provides free Wireless Internet Access for jurors serving at each court branch.  Access information will be provided during juror orientation.