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Last updated: July 2026
Jury duty is an important civic responsibility in Ontario, but there are situations where a person may not be able to attend on the date they are summoned. The right approach is not to ignore the notice or look for loopholes.
Instead, a person should understand the official jury process, respond on time, and request an excusal, deferral, or accommodation if they have a valid reason.
In Ontario, jury duty is handled through official court processes. A person may first receive a Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form, which is used to decide whether they are eligible for future jury service.
This is not the same as a jury summons. If the person is later selected, they may receive a formal summons requiring them to attend jury selection at a courthouse. Ontario explains the difference on its official jury duty in Ontario page.
This article explains how to get out of jury duty in Ontario legally, who may be excused, what reasons may be accepted, what happens if someone ignores a summons, and how much jurors are paid.
Quick Answer: Can You Get Out of Jury Duty in Ontario?
Yes, a person may be able to get out of jury duty in Ontario if the court approves an excusal, deferral, or accommodation. However, the person must follow the instructions on the jury notice or summons. They should not ignore the document, make up an excuse, or assume that submitting a request automatically cancels their duty.
A deferral means the person asks to serve at a later date. An excusal means the person asks not to serve for that summons. An accommodation may help a person participate if they have accessibility, medical, language, or practical needs.
Anyone who receives a jury summons can use Ontario’s official Jury Duty Online Tool to check in, manage jury service details, and request a deferral, excusal, or accommodation where available.
What Is Jury Duty?
Jury duty is a legal process where eligible members of the public may be called to participate in the justice system. Jurors listen to evidence in a court case and make decisions based on the facts presented in court and the judge’s legal instructions.
Being called for jury duty does not always mean a person will sit on a jury. Many people are summoned for jury selection but are not chosen for a trial. Ontario explains this process on its jury summons page.
Jury duty can be inconvenient, especially for people with work, childcare, school, business, health, or caregiving responsibilities. However, it remains a civic duty, and the court expects people to respond properly.
For Ontario residents managing other legal or personal-document updates, Business IN Canada also has a helpful article on how to change your name in Ontario.
Jury Eligibility Form vs Jury Summons
Before trying to get excused from jury duty, it is important to know what document was received.
| Document | What it means | What to do |
| Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form | A questionnaire used to decide whether someone is eligible for jury duty | Complete it honestly by the required deadline |
| Jury Summons | A formal notice requiring someone to attend jury selection | Attend unless the court approves excusal, deferral, or accommodation |
| Court update or cancellation notice | A later notice changing the date, time, or requirement to attend | Follow the latest court instructions |
Ontario says the Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form must be completed within 30 days of receiving it. The form helps determine whether a person may be eligible for future jury service.
Who Is Eligible for Jury Duty in Ontario?
A person may be eligible for jury duty in Ontario if they:
| Requirement | Ontario rule |
| Live in Ontario | The person must reside in Ontario |
| Are a Canadian citizen | Permanent residents who are not Canadian citizens are not eligible |
| Are 18 or older | The person must be at least 18 years old |
Ontario’s jury duty eligibility information confirms that a person selected for jury duty has a civic responsibility to serve if they live in Ontario, are a Canadian citizen, and are 18 years of age or older.
Who May Not Be Eligible for Jury Duty in Ontario?
Some people may be ineligible or may need to provide more information before serving. This can include people who do not meet the citizenship, age, or residency requirements. The eligibility process may also ask about occupation, criminal convictions, recent jury service, language ability, and whether a person is physically or mentally unable to perform juror duties even with reasonable accommodation.
Ontario’s digital jury eligibility questionnaire is designed to collect this information before a person is considered for future jury service.
Valid Reasons to Request Excusal or Deferral from Jury Duty
A person cannot simply decide not to attend jury duty. However, they may ask the court to excuse them or move their service to another date if they have a genuine reason.
Common reasons include:
| Reason | What may help support the request |
| Serious illness or medical treatment | Doctor’s note, appointment letter, surgery confirmation |
| Disability-related needs | Details of accommodation required or why service is not possible |
| Caregiving responsibilities | Proof of childcare, eldercare, or disability care needs |
| Financial hardship | Employer letter, income evidence, business records |
| Work hardship | Employer letter explaining serious operational difficulty |
| School or exams | Timetable, enrolment letter, placement confirmation |
| Pre-booked travel | Itinerary, booking confirmation, non-refundable travel documents |
| Recently moved | Updated address evidence |
| Conflict of interest | Explanation of connection to the case, lawyers, parties, or witnesses |
The court decides whether the reason is strong enough. A person should be honest, specific, and ready to provide documents.
How to Get Out of Jury Duty in Ontario Legally?
The safest way to get out of jury duty in Ontario is to follow the official process and request an excusal, deferral, or accommodation.
1. Read the Notice Carefully
The person should first check whether they received a Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form or a jury summons. A questionnaire does not mean the person has already been summoned to court. A summons does.
2. Use the Official Jury Duty Online Tool
A summoned juror can use the Ontario Jury Duty Online Tool to manage their summons and make certain requests. The person will usually need details from the summons, such as the juror number, panel number, and sheriff’s office city.
3. Request Excusal, Deferral, or Accommodation Early
A person should submit the request as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute can make the situation more stressful and may reduce the chance that the request is reviewed before the attendance date.
Ontario’s jury contact page explains that courthouse contacts handle requests for deferral or excusal of jury service, panel cancellations, time or date changes, and accessibility needs.
4. Explain the Reason Clearly
The request should not be vague. Instead of saying “I am busy,” explain the actual problem.
For example:
“I am the only available caregiver for my elderly parent during the summons period, and I do not have alternative care available.”
Or:
“I am scheduled for a medical procedure on the summons date and have attached confirmation from the clinic.”
5. Attach Supporting Documents
Documents can make a request stronger. Depending on the reason, useful documents may include:
| Situation | Helpful document |
| Medical issue | Doctor’s note or clinic letter |
| Work hardship | Employer letter |
| Self-employment hardship | Client contract, invoice schedule, business records |
| Student conflict | Exam timetable or enrolment letter |
| Caregiving | Care schedule, support letter, proof of responsibility |
| Travel | Booking confirmation or itinerary |
Business owners or self-employed workers may need to show why jury service would create serious financial or operational hardship. For broader business finance planning, Business IN Canada also covers small business loans in Canada, though that is separate from the court’s decision.
6. Attend If the Request Is Not Approved
Submitting a request does not automatically mean the person has been excused. Unless the court confirms that the person does not need to attend, they should follow the summons instructions.
If the summons date is very close, the person should contact the courthouse listed on the summons directly.
Can Work Get You Out of Jury Duty in Ontario?
Work can be a valid reason to request a deferral or excusal, but it is not an automatic exemption. The court may consider whether attending jury duty would cause serious hardship to the person, employer, business, clients, or dependants.
Under Ontario’s Juries Act, an employer must grant leave to an employee who is summoned for jury service, with or without pay. This means an employer generally cannot refuse to let an employee attend.
However, an employer may provide a letter explaining why the employee’s absence would create serious operational hardship. The court decides whether to excuse or defer the person.
Can Self-Employed People Get Out of Jury Duty?
Self-employed people, contractors, freelancers, and small business owners are not automatically excused from jury duty. However, they may request a deferral or excusal if serving would cause serious financial or business hardship.
A strong request may include:
- proof that the person is the only operator of the business;
- evidence of non-refundable commitments;
- contracts or invoices showing unavoidable work dates;
- proof that no replacement worker is available;
- details of financial loss if the work cannot be completed.
The request should focus on genuine hardship, not general inconvenience.
Can Students Be Excused from Jury Duty?
Students are not automatically excused from jury duty in Ontario. However, they may request a deferral or excusal if the summons conflicts with exams, mandatory classes, placements, professional training, or another serious academic obligation.
A student should provide supporting documents such as an exam timetable, enrolment confirmation, placement schedule, or letter from the school.
In many cases, the court may defer jury service to a later date rather than excuse the person completely.
Can Seniors Get Out of Jury Duty in Ontario?
Seniors are not automatically permanently excused from jury duty only because of age. Ontario explains on its jury summons page that there are no permanent excusals from jury duty.
However, an older adult may request an excusal, deferral, or accommodation if they have health issues, mobility limitations, transportation barriers, caregiving duties, or another serious hardship.
Can You Get Out of Jury Duty for Medical Reasons?
Yes, medical reasons may support a request for excusal, deferral, or accommodation. A person should explain whether the condition prevents attendance, makes sitting through a trial difficult, or requires accessibility support.
Examples may include:
| Medical situation | Possible support |
| Surgery or treatment | Hospital or clinic confirmation |
| Chronic illness | Medical note explaining limitations |
| Mental health condition | Supporting medical documentation where appropriate |
| Mobility limitation | Details of accessibility needs |
| Medication side effects | Medical confirmation if relevant |
The person should avoid sharing more personal medical detail than necessary. The goal is to explain why jury service is not possible or why accommodation is needed.
Can You Be Excused If You Cannot Speak English or French Well?
Language ability can affect jury service because jurors need to understand court proceedings. The Ontario jury eligibility process may ask whether the person can speak, read, and understand English or French.
A person should answer language questions honestly through the official process. If they cannot understand the language needed for the proceeding, they should explain this clearly.
What Happens If You Ignore Jury Duty in Ontario?
Ignoring jury duty can lead to legal consequences. A person who receives a summons should not simply fail to attend.
Ontario’s Juries Act includes rules for people who fail to attend after being summoned. Depending on the situation, a person may face court consequences for failing to respond or appear.
The safest approach is to respond on time, make any request properly, and keep proof of communication.
How Much Do You Get Paid for Jury Duty in Ontario?
Ontario has updated juror compensation. Eligible jurors selected for criminal or civil matters receive $120 per day starting from Day 1 of service, according to Ontario’s jury summons page.
| Jury payment point | Current Ontario information |
| Daily amount | $120 per day |
| When payment starts | Day 1 of service |
| Applies to | Eligible sitting jurors selected for criminal or civil matters |
This is important because older articles may still mention the previous Ontario juror payment system. The current Ontario page should be checked before publishing payment details.
Does Your Employer Have to Pay You During Jury Duty?
Not always. Ontario’s Juries Act says employers must grant leave for jury service, but the leave may be with or without pay. Employees should check their workplace policy, employment contract, union agreement, or HR department.
Employees who need tax or income documents for employment-related matters may also find Business IN Canada’s article on where to find your T4 on My CRA Account useful.
What Documents Should You Keep?
Anyone dealing with jury duty should keep clear records.
| Keep a copy of | Why it matters |
| Jury form or summons | Shows date, location, juror number, and panel number |
| Request for excusal or deferral | Proves the person responded |
| Court reply | Confirms whether the request was approved |
| Medical or employer documents | Supports the reason for the request |
| Travel or school records | Helps prove scheduling conflict |
| Attendance confirmation | Useful for employer or personal records |
If a person has recently changed their name, moved, or updated personal records, they should make sure their government records are accurate. Business IN Canada’s article on how to change your name in Ontario may help with related record-update questions.
What Not to Do When Trying to Get Out of Jury Duty
A person should avoid:
| Mistake | Why it is risky |
| Ignoring the summons | May lead to court consequences |
| Making up an excuse | False information can create legal problems |
| Waiting until the last minute | The court may not process the request in time |
| Assuming work automatically excuses them | Work hardship must usually be explained |
| Assuming a request means approval | The person must attend unless approved |
| Using online tricks | Courts expect honest information |
| Forgetting supporting documents | The request may be weaker |
The best approach is not to “avoid” jury duty dishonestly, but to request a lawful deferral, excusal, or accommodation if there is a real reason.
Practical Example: Work Hardship
A self-employed contractor receives a summons during the same week as a major client deadline. They should not ignore the summons. Instead, they can request a deferral and explain:
- the nature of the work commitment;
- why the date cannot be changed;
- whether anyone else can cover the work;
- the financial or client impact;
- alternative dates when they could attend.
Supporting documents may include a client contract, project schedule, invoices, or business records.
Practical Example: Medical Appointment or Surgery
A person receives a summons but has surgery scheduled for the same week. They can request excusal or deferral through the official process and provide confirmation from the hospital or clinic.
If the medical issue is temporary, the court may defer service to a later date. If the condition prevents service even with reasonable accommodation, the court may consider excusal.
Practical Example: Caregiving Responsibilities
A person is the only available caregiver for a child, elderly parent, or disabled family member. They can request excusal or deferral and explain:
- who they care for;
- why alternative care is unavailable;
- whether paid care is unaffordable or unavailable;
- whether the hardship is temporary or ongoing;
- whether a later date would be possible.
Caregiving does not automatically guarantee excusal, but clear evidence can support the request.
Final Thoughts
Getting out of jury duty in Ontario is not about finding a loophole. It is about following the official process when there is a genuine reason that jury service cannot be completed on the required date.
A person who receives a Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form should complete it honestly and on time. A person who receives a jury summons should attend unless the court confirms that they have been excused, deferred, or accommodated.
The safest next step is to read the notice carefully, use the official Ontario jury process, provide documents where needed, and contact the courthouse quickly if the summons date is close.
FAQ – How to Get Out of Jury Duty in Ontario
What is the best excuse for jury duty in Ontario?
The strongest reason is one that is truthful, serious, and supported by evidence. Common examples include medical issues, disability-related needs, caregiving responsibilities, serious financial hardship, major work conflicts, exams, or unavoidable travel.
Can you ignore jury duty in Ontario?
No. Ignoring a jury summons is risky. A person should respond properly, request excusal or deferral if needed, and attend unless the court confirms otherwise.
Is the Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form the same as a jury summons?
No. The Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form is a questionnaire used to determine eligibility. A summons is a formal notice requiring attendance for jury selection.
How long do you have to complete the Ontario jury eligibility form?
Ontario says the Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form must be completed within 30 days of receipt.
Who is eligible for jury duty in Ontario?
A person is generally eligible if they live in Ontario, are a Canadian citizen, and are at least 18 years old.
Are permanent residents eligible for jury duty in Ontario?
Permanent residents who are not Canadian citizens are not eligible for jury duty in Ontario.
Can your employer stop you from attending jury duty?
No. Ontario’s Juries Act requires employers to grant leave to an employee who is summoned for jury service, with or without pay.
Does your employer have to pay you for jury duty in Ontario?
Not always. The law requires leave, but the leave may be with or without pay. Employees should check their workplace policy, contract, or collective agreement.
How much do jurors get paid in Ontario?
Eligible sitting jurors selected for criminal or civil matters receive $120 per day starting from Day 1 of service.
Can students be excused from jury duty?
Students are not automatically excused, but they can request deferral or excusal if jury duty conflicts with exams, placements, mandatory classes, or serious academic obligations.
Can seniors be excused from jury duty in Ontario?
Seniors are not automatically permanently excused because of age, but they may request excusal, deferral, or accommodation for health, mobility, caregiving, or hardship reasons.
What should someone do if their summons date is close?
If the summons date is close, the person should contact the courthouse listed on the summons as soon as possible and follow the instructions provided.
