Jury Services
"I consider the trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution."
- Thomas Jefferson
Important Messages from the Jury Commissioner
Protect yourself against Jury Duty Scams. Don't give out personal Information by phone or email. Court officers will never ask for payment, a credit card or social security number for failure to appear for jury duty. Report suspicious activity immediately to your local law enforcement agency.
Jury service in California involves one day or one trial physical appearance or one week of on-call service. The Court appreciates your willingness to serve as a juror, and to help the Court continue to provide this vital function of our democracy during these extraordinary times.
You do not need any special skills or legal knowledge to be a juror. All you need is an open mind and a readiness to work with the other jurors to make decisions. You also need to be impartial - in other words, your decisions must not be influenced by personal feelings and biases.
Check Your Jury Status
Please bring your summons with you when reporting for jury service.
Call (209) 725-4123 the night before your scheduled date to confirm you are required to report for jury service.
Group Reporting Information is available after 5:00 pm by calling (209) 725-4121 and pressing "1".
If you are calling long distance, call: 1-888-486-4398.
Click on topics below for more information.
For more information regarding jury duty, please read the Frequently Asked Questions.
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Hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the courthouse.
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Increased sanitization will be performed by the Court’s contracted janitorial service.
Contact the jury commissioner’s office at (209) 725-4121 to request that your jury service be deferred to a future date.
Jurors that find it necessary to request a deferral of service should contact the jury office at (209) 725-4121 or jury@mercedcourt.org.
Parking is located in the large lot between the new courthouse and the railroad tracks. Cross 23rd street and come into the front doors of the courthouse on N Street. After clearing security, turn left and you'll find the elevators and the main stairwell just a few steps away.
We suggest you wear comfortable clothing that fits with the importance and dignity of the courtroom. Shorts, tank tops, bare midriffs, or similar dress are not allowed. Business attire is always appropriate. Check your summons for more information. You may not use computers, cellular phones, cameras, or tape recorders in the courtroom.
The Superior Court of California, County of Merced currently offers a transportation program where jurors can waive their mileage reimbursement and receive passes for local bus transportation services. We encourage jurors to take advantage of this program. Participating in The Bus transportation program will not only improve environmental conditions, but will also provide an easy, reliable, and less stressful way of commuting to jury duty.
How do I sign up and use The Bus?:
Jurors required to perform more than one day of jury service duty at courthouses serviced by Merced The Bus but must be willing to waive their mileage reimbursement. Jurors instructed to report for further service on a second or subsequent day can visit the Jury Assembly Room on their first day of service to complete the required waiver form and receive The Bus card good for immediate use. Your pass starts on the first day you use it and will be valid for one day. Should your jury service continue beyond a day, see the jury office for additional cards.
How do I travel from the bus to the Court?:
For more information about The Bus routes and schedules, go to Merced Transit Authority, CA - Official Website | Official Website (mercedthebus.com)