About jury service

Juries are an important part of our legal system. They’re made up of community members randomly selected from the Queensland electoral roll.

Most criminal trials heard in the Supreme or District Court take place in front of a jury. A jury usually consists of 12 people, chosen at random from a panel of prospective jurors.

The jury listens to the evidence and decides whether the person on trial is guilty or not guilty (or, in civil cases, who is at fault).

They don’t decide on questions of law or what sentence a guilty person should receive.

Serving on a jury is an important public service you’ll rarely be asked to do. So, if asked, you should do everything you can to take part.

Getting a notice

If you receive a ‘Notice to prospective juror’, it means you’ve been chosen randomly from the Queensland electoral roll to potentially serve as a juror.

The notice explains when and where you’ll do your jury service if you’re summoned.

Read more about getting a jury service notice.

Being excused from jury service

Your jury service notice includes a form you can use to apply to be excused from service.

Read more about being excused from jury service.

Jury selection process

Getting a jury service notice doesn’t mean you’ll definitely serve on a jury.

There are several steps in the process of choosing a jury.

Read more about the jury selection process.

Getting a summons

If you’re eligible and available to serve on a jury or your application for excusal is declined, you may receive a summons for jury service by email or post.

Depending on the number of trials listed, you may be required to attend court for the jury selection process.

Read more about getting a summons.

Going to court

During your summons period, you may be required to attend the courthouse on certain days to go through the jury selection process.

If you’re not selected for a jury, you’ll usually be let go for the day. However, you may be asked to come back another day for jury selection for a different trial.

If you’re selected for a jury (empanelled), you’ll stay in court every day, usually until around 4.30pm–5.00pm, until the trial is completed.

Trials in the Supreme or District Court typically last 3–5 days but can take longer, depending on the case.

Read more about going to court

Information for employers

By law, employers must release their employees when they’re required for jury service.

It’s illegal for employers to dismiss or disadvantage employees for making themselves available for jury service.

Read more information for employers about jury service.

Frequently asked questions

In Queensland, you’re not eligible for jury service if you’re:

  • the Governor
  • a member of Parliament
  • a local government mayor or other councillor
  • person who is or has been a judge or magistrate (in Queensland or elsewhere)
  • a person who is or has been a presiding member of the Land and Resources Tribunal
  • a lawyer actually engaged in legal work
  • a person who is or has been a police officer (in Queensland or elsewhere)
  • a detention centre employee
  • a Corrective Services officer
  • a current member of the defence forces (excluding members of the reserves)
  • a person who is 70 years or more, if the person has not elected to be eligible for jury service
  • a person who is not able to read or write English
  • a person who has a physical or mental disability that makes them incapable of effectively performing the functions or a juror
  • a person who has been convicted of an indictable offence, whether on indictment or in a summary proceeding
  • a person who has been sentenced (in Queensland or elsewhere) to imprisonment.

If you’re unsure if you’re eligible for jury service, contact your local Supreme or District Court

If you have a mental or physical disability, such as a hearing or sight impairment, you may be unable to perform the duties of a juror.

If that’s the case, you (or a helper/carer) should apply to be excused from jury service.

If you wish to be considered permanently ineligible for jury service, your medical practitioner must state that your medical condition precludes you from ever being able to serve as a juror.

All jurors must understand everything that happens in court and read documents that are part of the case.

If you don’t easily understand spoken or written English, you (or a helper/family member) should apply to be excused from jury service.

No—jurors are selected randomly.

See the jury selection process.

No—jurors come from all walks of life and don’t need legal knowledge.

Jurors are asked to be fair, impartial and willing to keep an open mind.

They don’t decide on questions of law or what sentence a guilty person should receive.

Queensland is divided into ‘jury districts’. Jurors are selected for service in the Supreme or District Court in their nearest jury district.

Jury districts usually cover the area within a 20km radius of the courthouse, except in larger cities.

If you’re unsure whether you’re within the jury district, contact your local Supreme or District Court.

While you don't have to wear a suit, you should show the court respect by dressing neatly.

Bring a jumper or jacket, as courthouses can get cool.

You should bring:

  • your summons (electronic or paper)
  • something to read or to keep you busy while waiting
  • mobile phone (optional), though you must turn it off in the courthouse and hand it to the bailiff if empanelled on a trial
  • (If someone needs you in an emergency, they can leave a message at the relevant Supreme or District Court registry.)
  • money—in case the judge lets the jury out to buy lunch (meal allowances are paid weekly).

If you’re not selected for a jury, you’ll usually be free to leave court earlier.

If you are selected, you’ll stay until court finishes, usually around 5pm.

Usually, you can go home each day.

However, if the jury doesn’t reach a verdict, the judge may order the jury to stay overnight.

In that case, a hotel will be provided.

If you’re unwell before or while attending the courthouse, tell us immediately.

You can contact us using the details provided on your summons or you can speak to a court officer.

You shouldn’t attend the courthouse if you’re unwell.

Yes—the selection process is random each time.

However, after serving as a juror, you can apply to be excused as you have performed jury service in the last 12 months.