All states have statutory or administrative provisions for courts to excuse individuals from jury service if serving would cause significant medical or financial hardship. Nationally, an estimated 9% of individuals summonsed for jury service are excused for this reason. Over the past two decades, many courts have implemented changes in their jury systems to reduce the hardship associated with jury service, thus increasing jury yield as well as making it possible for more individuals to serve.
The Excusal Tool evaluates the excusal rate for the court, identifies factors that might contribute to financial hardship, and suggests policies to address these factors. Click here to access information about effective excusal policies for jury service.