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What to Bring to Jury Duty
What to pack and wear for a day of jury service, plus the items courthouse security usually turns away.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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The Illinois State Bar Association notes that in many counties you can call the number on your summons the night before to confirm you still need to report, so this list starts the evening before. Washington and North Carolina courts both say to bring a book or other reading, because there is a lot of waiting. The list assumes one day or one trial and a standard courthouse security check. It leaves out eligibility, excuses and postponements, which depend on your summons and your county's rules. Check your own court's website for what it allows through security.
Why these items are on the list
- Call the night before. In many counties you can call the summons number the night before to confirm you must report (ISBA).
- Your jury summons. It gives the date, time and place to report. If you lose it, contact the clerk (NC courts).
- Book or magazine. Washington courts call it the ideal item, but some restrict reading that may relate to a trial.
- Sweater or light jacket. Miami-Dade recommends one. North Carolina and Illinois advise layers because courtroom temperatures vary.
- Office-appropriate outfit. Illinois says dress as you would for an office job. Miami-Dade asks for business attire.
- No shorts or tank tops. Washington and Illinois name both as not appropriate. North Carolina names tank tops and cut-off jeans.
- Closed shoes, not sandals. The Illinois State Bar Association lists sandals among casual clothing that is not appropriate for court.
- No hat unless religious or medical. Washington courts say hats may not be allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
- Packed lunch, no glass containers. Miami-Dade jury offices have a refrigerator and microwave, but glass containers are not permitted.
- Money for the snack bar. Miami-Dade has a cafeteria or snack bar in both courthouses and in the jury assembly room.
- Laptop, if your court allows. Washington says many courts allow laptops, and Illinois notes some courthouses restrict them. Ask in advance.
- Phone, after checking court rules. Washington courts may not allow cell phones. Illinois says to check with court staff beforehand.
- Leave knives, scissors and nail files. Washington lists penknives, knitting needles, scissors and metal nail files as items that may be refused.
- Tell your employer in advance. Illinois says notify your employer in advance. North Carolina says do it as soon as the summons arrives.
- Your employer's jury pay policy. Employers are not required to pay you for jury service, so North Carolina says to check the policy.
- Accommodation request, made ahead. North Carolina asks you to request disability accommodations as soon as possible before your date.
- Emergency contact plan for family. In North Carolina, family can reach you through the clerk's office or a number from the bailiff.
- Juror portal login. Miami-Dade jurors can get an attendance certificate on the juror portal after 7 p.m. each service day.
- Round-trip mileage. Washington jurors are eligible for mileage reimbursement on top of the daily juror pay.
Tick items off on your phone as you pack. Share the list with anyone else who has been summoned, so each of you can check your own.
When to use it
Use it the evening before your reporting date, after you call in to confirm you still need to report.