Jury Services
"Trial by jury is one of the fundamental ideals of American democracy; serving as jurors reminds us that these ideals exist only as long as individual citizens are willing to uphold them."
-Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye
Jury Service Information
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.
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.
Check Your Jury Status
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.
COVID-19 WARNING
If in the last 10 days:
- You have tested positive for COVID-19 and are under quarantine
- You're awaiting test results due to an exposure or symptoms of COVID-19
- You're experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19
STOP! DO NOT COME TO THE COURTHOUSE
Please call the Jury Office at (209) 725-4121.
Merced Court to resume jury trials beginning June 15, 2020
The Merced Superior Court will resume jury trials the week of June 15, 2020, and therefore will begin calling Merced County residents for jury service. The Court is committed to providing a safe environment for jury service and trials by adhering to local and state public safety and social distancing guidelines, implementing health and safety precautions at Court locations, and implementing additional precautions for jury service.
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.
Please note: that if you are sick with respiratory symptoms, a fever or a cough, DO NOT come to the courthouse and DO NOT report to jury service. Jurors with these symptoms will be allowed to defer their service. See the Information for Jury Service Deferals section below for details.
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.