Federal law does not mandate private employers to compensate employees for jury service. State laws vary considerably, with some requiring employers to provide full or partial pay, others offering no compensation requirements, and still others prohibiting employers from penalizing employees for missing work due to jury duty. For example, in some states, employers might be required to pay the difference between an employee’s regular wages and their jury duty pay. It is crucial to consult specific state regulations to understand the applicable requirements.
Unpaid or partially compensated jury duty can create a financial hardship for many individuals. This potential burden poses a significant obstacle to civic participation, a cornerstone of a functioning justice system. Policies that ensure adequate compensation or mandate employer support aim to remove this barrier, promoting a more diverse and representative jury pool. Historically, jury duty has been seen as a civic obligation, but the increasing financial pressures of modern life necessitate a closer examination of how to balance this duty with the economic realities faced by potential jurors.
