Qualifications & Exemption from Jury Service

4502. Qualifications of jurors
Every citizen of this Commonwealth who is of the required minimum age for voting for State or local officials and who resides in the County is qualified to serve as a juror unless such they meet 1 of the following:
  • Unable to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
  • Incapable, by reason of mental or physical infirmity, to render efficient jury service
  • Convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year and has not been granted a pardon or amnesty therefore

4503. Exemptions from Jury Duty
As a general rule, no person is exempt or excused from jury duty except for the following reasons:
  • Person in active service of the armed forces of the United States or of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Persons who have served within 3 years preceding on any jury
    • Exception: A person who served as a juror for fewer than 3 days in any 1 year, the exemption period is 1 year
  • Persons demonstrating to the court undue hardship or extreme inconvenience may be excused permanently for a limited period, and at the end of the period be assigned to the next jury array
  • Spouses, children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and grandchildren of victims of criminal homicide under 18 Pa.C.S. 2501 (relating to criminal homicide)

Requests for Excusal
All requests for excusal must be made in writing and should be returned with your questionnaire. In the event of a medical excuse, please include a statement from your physician.

Last minute requests and/or requests made after your questionnaire has been returned may be returned by fax at 717.240.6460 (attn: Jury Coordinator), by email, or by mailing to:
Court Administration Office
Attn: Jury Coordinator
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013