6 Reasons to Be Excused from Massachusetts Jury Duty

Like any state, Massachusetts residents have to deal with reporting to jury duty. The last time I had jury duty was back in 2018 in Pittsfield where I had to serve on a case. Before that, I had to report to jury duty in North Adams back in 2013 but was quickly dismissed because I knew the judge. I have jury duty coming up this spring in Pittsfield and one of my loved ones may have to report to jury duty in Springfield.

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While many of us may gripe about having to report to jury duty some people don't mind it as they may be making a positive difference in someone's lives but if you have a legitimate excuse, you may just be disqualified from having to report to jury duty.

Under What Circumstances Can You Be Exempt from Jury Duty in Massachusetts?  

Over the years I have heard a variety of reasons why someone was disqualified from jury duty but those reasons and excuses tend to be on a case-by-case basis depending on the layers and who's involved in the case. As stated by the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts there are a few universal reasons why someone may be excused from jury duty in Massachusetts.

The following excuses are accepted by the court by request and proper documentation.

• Any person over the age of 70 years old who makes a showing of physical infirmity, travel difficulties, undue hardship, or extreme inconvenience. You MUST complete the online juror questionnaire and request to be excused.
• Persons having full-time care and custody of their child or children, under the age of ten years old whose health and/or safety would be jeopardized by their absence for jury service. You MUST provide the age of your children when prompted.
• Persons who are essential to the full-time care of aged or infirmed persons in their custody. You MUST provide a specific physician's letter stating that you are the full-time caregiver of a person in custody.
• Any person who has served FIVE (5) or more days of STATE court jury service in the past three years. You MUST provide a copy of your certificate of STATE court jury service.
• Any person having served FEDERAL court jury service in the past three years. You MUST provide a copy of your Certificate of Jury Service, a copy of your FEDERAL jury summons or indicate the date(s) served.
• Volunteer safety personnel who serve without compensation as firefighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew for a public agency. You MUST provide proof of your volunteer status.

You can learn more about jury duty exemptions by going here.