Jury Duty

Jury service is an essential part of the American justice system. Most people serving on jury duty find it to be worthwhile and extremely helpful in understanding how the legal system works. The Court recognizes that serving on a jury may be inconvenient for some citizens, and will make every effort to make your experience a positive one.  

General Information
You will receive a summons at least two weeks before jury duty. Be sure to carefully read the instructions you receive with the summons. Please mark the dates on your calendar, and tell your employer that you have been called for jury duty.

Jury duty in 54A District Court is for one week, and you do not have to appear in person unless a trial is scheduled. If you are told to report, you will need to arrive at court by 10:30 a.m. You may not be selected to sit on the jury, but you should be prepared to stay for the rest of the day, and possibly return for a second or third day of trial. If you are told to report but are not selected to be a member of a jury on that day, you will still need to call in for the rest of the week. 

Juror Pay
Jurors are paid $12.50 for one-half day of service, and $25.00 for the first full day. Jurors are paid $20.00 for a second one-half day of service, and $40.00 for a second full day and for each day thereafter. In addition, jurors are paid $1.40 mileage per day. Parking is free if you park in a City lot. Be sure to bring your ticket with you to be validated. 

Requests to be Excused
Requests to be excused or postponed from jury service must be made before the week you are scheduled to serve. Mail your request to Jury Clerk, 54A District Court, 124 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933, or call the Jury Clerk at 517-483-4443 not later than the Friday before your jury duty is to start.

As of July 1, 2006, you may also request a postponement or to be excused on line at www.ingham.org/ja.   Depending on the number of postponements already granted for your week of service, you may be able to defer yourself into a future pool.  If not, or if you wish to be excused or permanently disqualified, you may submit your request on line, and will receive a response within 3 business days.  You will need to provide an e-mail address for requests submitted electronically.

You must have a good reason to be postponed, and will be rescheduled for a later term unless you have grounds to be permanently excused. A request for medical reasons will require a doctor's statement. If you are summoned for jury duty and do not report as required, you will be subject to penalties for contempt of court. 

Requests to be Disqualified 

There are very limited grounds to be permanently disqualified from serving on a jury.  They include:  being over the age of 70 and not wishing to serve, not being able to speak or understand the English language, having a permanent medical condition that precludes service, no longer living in the jurisdiction in which you are called to serve, or having been convicted of a felony.   Like requests to be postponed or excused, requests to be disqualified may be submitted by phone, mail, or on-line at www.ingham.org/ja.   Depending on the reason you provide, you may be required to submit proof in order to be disqualified.

Responsibilities of a Juror:

  • Call the jury hotline at 517-483-4439 between 9:15 - 9:40 each day
  • Bring your summons with you
  • Be on time
  • Dress appropriately for court (no jeans, shorts, halters, flip-flops)
  • Make child care arrangements in advance of your jury term
  • Arrange for your transportation to and from jury duty