For Jurors
Thank you for visiting the Jury Information section of our website. The goal of this resource is to provide you with a wealth of information about assisting our community through jury service.
Please continue reading or select from the menu of links to learn more about the process.
The right to a trial by jury is a fundamental principle of the U.S. justice system. By serving on a jury, you are helping to ensure a fair trial for your peers. Similarly, your peers guarantee this right should you become a litigant in a civil or criminal case.
All legal U.S. residents age 18 years or older who live in York County are qualified to serve unless the resident is:
- Unable to speak and understand the English language
- Incapable because of a mental or physical infirmity to render efficient jury service
- Has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and has not been granted a pardon or amnesty.
A pool of jurors is selected for each trial week. Jurors report to the Jury Assembly Room on the fourth floor of the York County Judicial Center, 45 N. George Street in York City.
From there, the judge and attorneys for each party complete a process known as Voir Dire. The purpose is to ascertain whether any views held by a potential juror would hinder the prospective juror's ability to act impartially.
Ultimately, a jury of 12 and two or more alternates are selected. The remaining jurors are returned to the Jury Assembly Room for further assignment.
Selected jurors may serve for more than one trial over the course of the trial week. Certain trials may extend for more than one week.
Prohibited Items In Judicial Center
- Cell Phones
- Pagers
- Knives or any type of cutting instrument (scissors)
- Pepper Spray or mace
- Cameras
- Firearms, ammunition, or black powder
- Tools of any kind
- Stun guns
- Handcuff keys
Things Jurors Can Bring Into Judicial Center
- Lunch
- Drinks
- IPads
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Other Electronic Devices, no Cell Phones
- We do not provide Wi-Fi access or a refrigerator for lunches.
- I’ve received a jury summons, what should I do?
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You should respond to the summons via mail or the online response system.
- What happens if I ignore the summons?
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It is advised that you do not ignore your summons. If you do, you may be subject to prosecution.
- Where is the courthouse?
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Please visit our directions and parking page for more information about how to get to the Judicial Center, located at 45 N George Street in York City.
- What happens if I don’t want to serve or have a conflict?
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Deferrals are available for jurors that will experience severe hardship because of jury duty. Jury duty is an obligation required by law and is not voluntary. Most people enjoy the experience.
- Will I be paid and/or receive travel mileage to serve?
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Jurors are paid $9 each day for the first three days of service. Starting on the fourth day, jurors are paid $25 per day. You are also eligible for mileage at a rate of 17 cents per mile. See more information about compensation. Compensation is set by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
- Will I receive meals while serving?
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Jurors typically are not provided meals, but at lunchtime are given ample time to purchase food outside the courthouse or eat a meal brought from home. There are also vending machines on the first floor of the Judicial Center.
- Who is eligible to serve on a jury?
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All U.S. citizens age 18 or older who live in York County are qualified to serve as jurors, with the exception of:
- Individuals unable to speak and/or understand the English language
- Individuals who, because of mental or physical conditions, are unable to render efficient service
- Individuals convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than 1 year of incarceration who have not been granted a pardon or amnesty
- What kind of cases might I hear as a juror?
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Jurors will hear criminal and civil cases.
In criminal cases, the District Attorney or Attorney General prosecutes a case against an individual accused of a crime.
In civil cases, the parties are individuals, businesses or government agencies. The party initiating the lawsuit is the Plaintiff and the party defending the lawsuit is the Defendant. The Plaintiff is generally seeking monetary damages.