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Last Updated On – 09-09-2026
Receiving a jury summons in Ontario does not automatically mean you will serve on a trial. It means you have been asked to attend jury selection, where potential jurors may be selected, dismissed, excused or deferred depending on the circumstances.
If jury duty would cause serious hardship because of illness, employment, caregiving responsibilities, financial difficulties, education, travel or another significant issue, you may be able to request an excusal or deferral.
However, there is no guaranteed excuse that automatically allows an otherwise eligible person to avoid jury duty.
Ontario’s Juries Act allows jury service to be deferred or excused in certain circumstances, including illness and situations where service may cause serious hardship or loss.
The safest approach is to make an honest request rather than ignoring the summons.
What Is Jury Duty in Ontario?
Jury duty involves eligible members of the public attending court and potentially being selected to hear evidence in a criminal or civil trial.
Jurors listen to evidence, follow instructions from the judge and reach a decision based on the facts presented in court.
A criminal jury normally consists of 12 jurors.
A civil jury in Ontario normally consists of six jurors.
For longer or more complex criminal cases, additional or alternate jurors may sometimes be selected to help ensure enough jurors remain available throughout the trial.
Receiving a Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form is different from receiving an actual jury summons.
The eligibility form is used to determine whether someone can be included on the jury roll, while a summons requires the person to attend jury selection at a specified courthouse, date and time.
Can You Receive an Ontario Jury Summons by Email?
Yes. Ontario can use electronic communication for jury administration where appropriate contact details and consent have been provided.
This means receiving jury-related communication by email does not automatically mean it is fraudulent.
Ontario previously relied more heavily on alternative delivery methods during Canada Post labour disruptions, including electronic communication and other delivery arrangements.
However, that disruption should not be described as an active September 2026 issue.
If you receive an unexpected jury-related email, phone call or message:
- Do not send money or banking information.
- Do not rely only on links or phone numbers in the message.
- Check the information against official Ontario jury-duty instructions.
- Contact the courthouse or Provincial Jury Centre independently if you are unsure.
- Keep your juror and panel numbers available if you have already received a summons.
Ontario has also warned the public about unofficial online jury-duty information containing inaccurate guidance.
For important questions about eligibility, summonses, penalties or excusal procedures, official Ontario government information should remain the primary source.
Who Is Eligible for Jury Duty in Ontario?
A person is generally eligible for jury duty in Ontario if they meet the basic eligibility requirements and are not excluded by another rule.
| Requirement | Ontario Rule |
| Residence | Must live in Ontario |
| Citizenship | Must be a Canadian citizen |
| Age | Must be at least 18 |
| Language | Must be able to understand English or French sufficiently for jury service |
| Other requirements | Must not fall within an ineligible occupation or another exclusion |
Canadian citizenship is important.
A person does not become eligible for Ontario jury duty simply because they are a permanent resident.
Who Is Exempt or Ineligible for Jury Duty in Ontario?
Ontario law excludes several occupations and categories of people from jury service.
Occupational Exemptions and Ineligibility
| Occupation or Position | Generally Eligible? |
| Judges | No |
| Justices of the Peace | No |
| Lawyers | No |
| Articling students | No |
| Medical practitioners in active practice | No |
| Veterinary surgeons in active practice | No |
| Coroners | No |
| Police officers | No |
| Sheriffs and sheriff’s officers | No |
| Correctional officers | No |
| Prison wardens and jailers | No |
| Certain court officers | No |
| Qualifying firefighters | No |
| Regular Canadian Armed Forces members | No |
| Reserve members on active service | No |
| Members of the Senate | No |
| Members of the House of Commons | No |
| Members of the Ontario Legislature | No |
Certain other justice, enforcement and court-related occupations may also be excluded depending on their role.
This can include people working as:
- Bailiffs.
- Border services officers.
- Certain by-law enforcement officers.
- Customs officers.
- Court registrars.
- Court reporters.
- Provincial offences officers.
- Other qualifying court personnel.
Not everyone working in healthcare or government is automatically exempt.
The exemption depends on the occupation and the wording of Ontario’s jury legislation.
What Is the Three-Year Jury Duty Rule in Ontario?
Ontario also restricts how frequently someone can be required to attend jury service.
A person who has attended jury selection or served as a juror within the relevant three-year period may be ineligible to serve again.
Ontario’s current questionnaire generally asks whether someone attended jury selection or served as a juror during the current year or the previous two years.
This can apply even if the person attended jury selection but was not ultimately chosen for the final jury.
However, simply receiving a summons that was later cancelled before attendance is different from actually attending court for jury selection.
What Other Reasons Can Make Someone Ineligible?
Someone may also be ineligible in certain situations involving:
- Physical or mental inability to perform jury duties.
- Certain criminal convictions without an applicable pardon or record suspension.
- Being a witness or potential witness in the proceeding.
- Having a direct interest in the case.
- Other circumstances specifically covered by Ontario law.
Where a disability is involved, reasonable accommodation may also need to be considered before assuming the person cannot serve.
Permanent Residents and Newcomers: A Common Misunderstanding
Permanent residents are not eligible for Ontario jury duty simply because they live and work in the province.
Ontario jury eligibility requires Canadian citizenship.
This is sometimes confusing for newcomers because permanent residents have many of the same day-to-day rights as citizens.
However, certain civic responsibilities and rights remain connected specifically to citizenship.
If a permanent resident receives a jury eligibility questionnaire because government records appear to be incorrect, the correct approach is to complete it honestly and indicate their citizenship status.
Do not simply ignore the form.
How to Get Out of Jury Duty in Ontario Legally?
There is no legitimate trick that guarantees someone will avoid jury duty.
The lawful approach is to request an excusal or deferral and explain the circumstances accurately.
1. Read the Summons Carefully
Check the important details, including:
- Courthouse location.
- Jury selection date.
- Reporting time.
- Juror number.
- Panel number.
- Court contact information.
Do not assume the summons is optional.
2. Decide Whether You Need an Excusal or Deferral
An excusal means you are released from the jury-service obligation connected to that summons.
A deferral usually means the service is moved to another date.
A deferral may be more appropriate where the problem is temporary.
Examples can include:
- Pre-booked travel.
- Important business commitments.
- School examinations.
- Temporary medical problems.
- Short-term caregiving issues.
3. Explain the Hardship Clearly
Ontario recognises situations where jury service could create serious hardship or loss.
Possible circumstances can include:
- Serious health problems.
- Essential caregiving responsibilities.
- Severe financial hardship.
- Major employment consequences.
- Critical business responsibilities.
- School or examination commitments.
- Religious circumstances.
- Pre-arranged travel.
- Moving a significant distance from the courthouse.
These situations are not necessarily automatic exemptions.
The court considers the individual circumstances.
4. Provide Supporting Documents Where Appropriate
Evidence can make a hardship request clearer.
Depending on the reason, supporting documents may include:
- Employer letters.
- Travel confirmations.
- School timetables.
- Examination schedules.
- Financial information.
- Caregiving evidence.
- Medical documentation where appropriate.
- Other relevant records supporting the request.
Never falsify documents or exaggerate circumstances simply to avoid jury service.
5. Submit the Request Properly
Someone who receives an Ontario jury summons may be able to request an excusal or deferral using the instructions associated with their summons.
This may involve:
- Submitting a request online.
- Contacting the courthouse by email.
- Calling the courthouse.
- Making the request in person if necessary.
If the jury date is very close, contacting the courthouse directly may be more appropriate.
6. Attend Unless Your Request Is Approved
Submitting a request does not automatically cancel the summons.
Unless you have received confirmation that you have been excused, deferred or told not to attend, you should still follow the reporting instructions.
Can Work Get You Out of Jury Duty in Ontario?
Having a job does not automatically excuse someone from jury duty.
However, employment or business responsibilities can form part of a hardship request where the consequences are particularly serious.
For example, someone who is self-employed may explain that an extended absence could:
- Cause serious financial loss.
- Prevent essential business operations.
- Leave customers or employees unsupported.
- Create significant contractual problems.
The court decides whether the situation is serious enough to justify excusal or deferral.
Employers cannot simply tell employees to ignore a jury summons.
Ontario law provides employees with protections when they need time away from work for jury selection or jury service.
This is different from many ordinary forms of leave of absence in Canada, because jury-service protection is specifically connected to jury legislation.
Can Your Employer Fire You for Jury Duty?
Employers cannot legally punish employees simply because they respond to a jury summons or serve as jurors.
Employers generally must allow sufficient leave for jury service and must not improperly threaten, discipline or dismiss someone because they are complying with jury obligations.
An employer who violates these protections can face separate legal consequences.
Ontario’s Juries Act provides for penalties that can include:
- A fine of up to $10,000.
- Imprisonment of up to three months.
- Both a fine and imprisonment in certain cases.
Employees may also have rights connected to reinstatement, seniority and other employment protections.
However, employers are not generally required by Ontario jury legislation to continue paying an employee’s normal wages while they are serving.
A workplace policy, employment agreement or collective agreement may provide more generous arrangements.
What Happens If Your Excusal Is Not Approved?
If the court refuses your request, you must attend jury selection as directed.
That does not mean you will definitely become a juror.
Many people who attend jury selection are never selected for the final jury.
What Happens on Jury Selection Day in Ontario?
Understanding the process can make jury selection less stressful.
1. Arrive at the Courthouse
Bring the documents and identification requested in your summons.
This will usually include:
- Your jury summons.
- Appropriate government-issued identification.
Follow the courthouse security and check-in procedures.
2. Check In With Court Staff
Potential jurors normally check in with court or jury administration staff.
Depending on the courthouse, people may then be divided into panels or groups.
Some Ontario jury-selection accounts describe colour-coded panels or similar grouping systems, although procedures can vary between courthouses.
3. Expect Waiting
Jury selection can involve substantial waiting.
Potential jurors may wait while:
- Court matters are organised.
- Trials are prepared.
- Other jury panels are processed.
- Cases settle or pleas change.
- Judges and lawyers deal with preliminary issues.
Being called to the courthouse does not mean you will immediately enter a courtroom.
4. Potential Jurors Are Randomly Selected
Jury selection is based on random selection procedures.
In criminal proceedings, juror numbers or cards may be used as part of the random selection process.
Modern court procedures may also use electronic or automated systems where permitted.
Potential jurors who are called may then go through the next stage of jury selection.
5. You May Be Selected, Dismissed or Told to Return
After attending, you may:
- Be selected for a jury.
- Be dismissed from further attendance.
- Be asked to return on another day.
- Remain part of a jury panel for further selection.
Receiving a summons therefore does not guarantee that you will ever sit on a trial.
How Long Does Jury Duty Last in Ontario?
The length depends on whether you are talking about jury selection or actually serving on a trial.
Jury selection may last from approximately one day to one week, depending on the courthouse and number of cases requiring juries.
If you are selected as a juror, the commitment depends on the length of the trial.
A trial may last:
- A few days.
- One or two weeks.
- Several weeks in more complex cases.
Potential jurors are normally given information about the estimated trial duration during the selection process.
Some older sources describe jury panels remaining on call for two or three weeks or attending for several consecutive days in Toronto.
However, current official guidance should be relied on where older descriptions conflict with modern court procedures.
Are Ontario Jurors Sequestered?
Usually not.
Jurors normally return home after the court finishes for the day.
Sequestration is uncommon.
It can happen in unusual situations, particularly where jury deliberations continue late and the court decides jurors should remain together rather than return home.
Where accommodation is required by the court, arrangements may be made for the jurors.
How Much Are Jurors Paid in Ontario in 2026?
Juror pay changed significantly in late 2025.
For jurors selected on or after October 1, 2025, Ontario generally provides $120 per required jury-service day, subject to the rules around whether the juror is also receiving employer income for that day.
This is different from older Ontario juror-pay information that referred to lower daily amounts depending on the length of service.
Important points include:
- Jury selection attendance itself is generally unpaid.
- Selected jurors may qualify for daily juror pay.
- Travel allowances may apply in certain circumstances.
- Parking costs are generally the juror’s responsibility.
- Childcare costs are not automatically reimbursed.
Anyone relying on older online information should check the current rules because pre-October 2025 payment figures may now be outdated.
What Happens If You Ignore Jury Duty in Ontario?
Ignoring a jury summons is not a lawful strategy for avoiding service.
Missing a Jury Summons
Under section 39 of Ontario’s Juries Act, someone who has been properly summoned and fails to attend without reasonable excuse may be dealt with for contempt of court.
This means ignoring the summons can create more serious legal problems than making a proper excusal or deferral request.
If you accidentally miss your jury date, contact the courthouse as soon as possible.
Ignoring the Jury Eligibility Questionnaire
The Mandatory Jury Eligibility Form is governed by separate provisions.
Under section 38(3) of the Juries Act, someone who fails to complete and return the required questionnaire without reasonable excuse, or knowingly provides false or misleading information, can face:
- A fine of up to $5,000.
- Imprisonment of up to six months.
- Both a fine and imprisonment.
The penalty for the questionnaire and the consequences of failing to attend after receiving a summons should therefore not be confused.
Should You Pretend to Be Biased to Avoid Jury Duty?
No.
Do not invent prejudice, conflicts, medical problems or personal circumstances just to get out of jury duty.
If you genuinely believe you cannot remain impartial, answer any questions honestly during the selection process.
Possible legitimate concerns may include:
- Knowing someone involved in the case.
- Having personal experience closely connected to the case.
- Having a conflict of interest.
- Holding a genuine bias that prevents fair consideration of the evidence.
False statements can create their own legal problems.
What Support Is Available After Jury Duty?
Some trials involve disturbing evidence, traumatic events or emotionally difficult testimony.
Ontario operates a Juror Support Program for people who have completed jury service in certain proceedings.
The programme can support jurors from:
- Criminal trials.
- Civil trials.
- Coroner’s inquests.
Eligible jurors may receive confidential counselling support.
This can include counselling delivered:
- By telephone.
- In person.
- By video.
- Through other supported communication methods.
The programme is designed to help former jurors deal with emotional or psychological effects associated with jury service.
Can Former Jurors Speak to a Therapist About Jury Deliberations?
Yes, but only in specific circumstances.
Jurors normally have strict confidentiality obligations concerning jury deliberations.
However, federal law changed following Bill S-206.
Since January 2023, former jurors have been able to disclose otherwise confidential jury information to qualifying healthcare professionals when receiving treatment, therapy or counselling connected with health problems resulting from jury service.
This may include conversations with professionals such as:
- Doctors.
- Psychiatrists.
- Therapists.
- Counsellors.
- Other qualifying healthcare professionals.
This exception does not mean former jurors can publicly discuss confidential jury deliberations.
It exists specifically so they can obtain appropriate healthcare and psychological support.
What Documents Should You Keep?
Keep copies of important jury-duty records, especially if you request an excusal or deferral.
Useful documents can include:
- The original jury summons.
- Your juror number.
- Your panel number.
- Your excusal request.
- Your deferral request.
- Supporting evidence.
- Emails from the courthouse.
- Approval or refusal notices.
- Cancellation notices.
- Attendance records needed by your employer.
If you have not received confirmation that you were excused or deferred, do not assume the summons has been cancelled.
FAQs About How to Get Out of Jury Duty in Ontario
What Is the Best Excuse for Jury Duty in Ontario?
There is no single guaranteed excuse. Genuine illness, serious hardship, significant financial loss, essential caregiving responsibilities and other serious circumstances may support an excusal or deferral request.
Can I Get Out of Jury Duty Because I Am Self-Employed?
Not automatically. Serious financial or operational consequences can be explained to the court, which decides whether the hardship justifies excusal or deferral.
Can I Get Out of Jury Duty Because I Have Children?
Having children is not automatically an exemption. However, serious childcare or caregiving problems may support a hardship request where reasonable alternative arrangements are not available.
Can I Ignore Jury Duty in Ontario?
No. Failing to attend after being properly summoned without reasonable excuse can amount to contempt of court.
Can Permanent Residents Serve on Juries in Ontario?
No. Ontario jury eligibility requires Canadian citizenship. Permanent resident status alone does not make someone eligible.
How Soon Can I Be Called Again After Jury Duty?
Someone who has attended jury selection or served as a juror within the relevant three-year period may be ineligible to serve again.
How Many People Are on a Jury in Ontario?
A criminal jury normally has 12 jurors, while a civil jury in Ontario normally has six jurors.
How Long Does Jury Selection Take?
Jury selection may last from approximately one day to one week, depending on the court and number of cases.
How Much Does Ontario Pay Jurors in 2026?
Jurors selected on or after October 1, 2025 generally receive $120 per required jury-service day, subject to applicable employer-income rules. Attendance for jury selection itself is generally unpaid.
Does My Employer Have to Pay Me During Jury Duty?
Ontario law generally protects your job and requires appropriate leave, but it does not necessarily require your employer to continue paying your normal salary.
Your employment contract or workplace policy may provide paid jury leave.
