Malcolm L. MacGregor | November 20, 2025 | Personal Injury Blog

Is It Possible to Get Out of Jury Duty in Pennsylvania? 

For most Pennsylvanians, receiving a summons for jury duty is an unexpected event. It can cause anxiety, logistical concerns, and even frustration. Many people immediately wonder: “Can I get out of this?” While serving on a jury can disrupt daily life, it is also one of the most important responsibilities citizens have in maintaining a fair justice system. 

So, can you get out of jury duty in Pennsylvania? The answer depends on your specific circumstances. But, before you think about being excused, it’s worth understanding why your participation matters and how the process works. 

What Is Jury Duty and Why Is It So Important? 

Jury duty is the process by which ordinary citizens are called to participate in the judicial system. Citizens can serve as jurors in civil or criminal trials. Jurors play a critical role in the legal process—they listen to the evidence, evaluate the credibility of witnesses, apply the judge’s instructions on the law, and ultimately decide the outcome of a case. 

In personal injury cases, the jury’s role is especially crucial. When someone is injured in a car accident, workplace incident, or medical malpractice situation, it is often a jury that decides how much compensation the victims deserve.

Without jurors, there would be no check against powerful corporations, insurance companies, or government entities. Juries ensure that justice reflects the values of the community, not just the decisions of lawyers and judges. In short, jury duty keeps the scales of justice balanced. 

How Jury Selection Works in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, potential jurors are randomly selected from lists of registered voters, licensed drivers, and sometimes state ID holders. The process is designed to create a jury panel that reflects the diversity of the community. 

If you receive a jury summons, it will include the date, time, and location of your required appearance. Usually, you must present yourself at the county courthouse. When you arrive, you’ll be part of a larger group called the jury pool. From there, specific jurors are chosen through a process known as voir dire, which literally means “to speak the truth.” 

During voir dire, attorneys for both sides will ask potential jurors questions about their backgrounds, beliefs, and possible biases. The goal is to ensure that each person selected can be fair and impartial. 

For instance: 

  • In a personal injury case, a juror who works for an insurance company may be excused because of potential bias.
  • In a criminal case, someone who personally knows the defendant might not be able to serve on the jury. 

The selection process is deliberate and careful. Everyone deserves a fair trial decided by unbiased members of the community. 

Who Can Be Excused from Jury Duty in Pennsylvania? 

Although serving is a civic duty, Pennsylvania recognizes that some people genuinely cannot serve due to hardship or disqualification. 

Common reasons for being excused include: 

  • Severe personal or family hardship, such as serious illness or caregiving responsibilities 
  • Financial hardship, particularly if jury service would cause undue financial strain 
  • Medical conditions that make it impossible to serve 
  • Active military service or certain government duties 
  • Prior felony convictions, depending on the type of case 
  • Age-related exemptions, in some counties, for individuals over a certain age 

To request an excusal or deferral, you must typically submit a written request to the jury office as instructed on your summons. Supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s note or employer verification, may be required. 

However, excusals are granted sparingly. Judges generally expect citizens to fulfill their obligation unless a clear and significant hardship exists. 

Can You Simply Ignore a Jury Summons? 

No, you shouldn’t ignore a jury summons. Ignoring this document in Pennsylvania can result in serious consequences. 

If you fail to appear without an approved excuse, you could face: 

Courts take jury participation seriously because the entire justice system depends on it. Your absence forces court delays and places additional burdens on other jurors who must serve longer. 

If you have a legitimate reason you cannot attend, contact the jury services office listed on your summons right away. Communication and honesty go a long way; failing to respond does not. 

Contact Our Scranton Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

While it may be possible to get out of jury duty, it’s usually only allowed under specific circumstances. For most people, it’s both a legal requirement and a civic privilege. 

If you ever serve on a jury, especially in a personal injury trial, remember that your decision could change someone’s life for the better. To learn more or to schedule a free case review to discuss your accident or injury, contact the Scranton personal injury lawyers at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC.  

Schedule a free case evaluation with our team today. We proudly serve Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, and surrounding areas.

McDonald & MacGregor, LLC
220 Penn Ave Suite 320, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 209-7062