Western District of Texas

Jury Service

Can I be excused from jury service?

The only person authorized to excuse, exclude, exempt or disqualify a juror from jury service in federal court is the Judge. Federal law allowing the granting of excuses is very strict. All requests for excuses and postponements are submitted in writing to the Office of the Clerk, Attention: Jury Clerk. All excuses based on medical conditions must be accompanied by a letter from your physician stating why you are unable to attend. Upon receipt of these requests, the jury clerk logs them in and routes them to the Judge for a ruling. This office will notify you either by telephone or letter immediately upon receipt of the Judge's reply to your request. It is important to submit the written request for excuses and postponements as early as possible. A juror should not assume a request will be granted. An unexcused absence may result in a charge of contempt of Court and a subsequent fine and/or imprisonment.