Skip to main content

Jury Duty

Jury Duty - An Honored Service

Welcome to the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. The right to a trial by jury is a privilege that applies to both criminal and civil cases and is recognized as the foundation of the American court system, guaranteed by both the United States and California Constitutions. Jury trials cannot be held unless people like you are willing to perform their civic duty. Jurors are essential to the administration of justice.

Our office hours to receive assistance with your jury service are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and our phone hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. However, you may be instructed to report and required to carry out your jury service Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are selected as a prospective juror, your availability is required until you are excused from the jury selection process. Please arrange your schedule to be available for the week you are on standby. If you are selected as a sworn juror or as an alternate juror, you must serve for the duration of the trial, and will need to arrange your schedule accordingly.

Below you can find information about jury duty, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions about postponing jury service, time off from employment, juror orientation videos, and more.

WARNING: The California Superior Court, County of Santa Clara does not send jury summons through email, text or any other form of electronic communication. If you receive electronic communications stating you have been summoned for jury service and your personal information is requested, do not provide any information pertaining to your social security number, date of birth, bank or credit card to anyone claiming to be an officer of the court or of the law.

 

For more information, please see our Juror Alert.

In This Section

Juror Orientation Videos

  • California Celebrates 250 Years of Jury Service

    A new video from California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and recognizes jurors for their integral role in our justice system.

  • Justice for All

    Justice for All: Jury Service features judges, academics, and former jurors explaining what to expect when called to jury service, including the jury selection process, the trial, and jury deliberations.

  • History of Jury Service

    In addition, an accompanying vignette entitled, A More Perfect Jury: A History of Jury Service, explores the history of jury service from its beginnings in English common law, into the Civil Rights and Women’s Suffrage movements, as well as new changes to California juries created by recent legislation.

  • Jury Service and Fairness

    Jury Service and Fairness: Understanding the Challenges of Implicit Bias serves as a guide and a tool for jurors to identify whether they may have preconception that would impact their ability to serve.