Applying for an exemption from jury duty
In some situations you may apply to be exempted from jury duty. You must make a formal application backed up by an affidavit.
You must apply for an exemption if:
- you are disqualified from serving as a juror because of your state of health or employment;
- you wish to serve as a juror at a later court session.
Person summoned for jury duty who wishes to apply for an exemption.
To be exempted, you must:
- be aged 65 or over, or have a spouse aged 65 or over;
- suffer from a physical or sensorial handicap;
- have serious health problems;
- have too many household obligations;
- serve as a:
- minister of religion;
- member of the Canadian regular forces;
- member of the personnel of the National Assembly of Québec;
- functionary engaged in the administration of justice, or have a spouse serving as such;
- have served as a jury member or prospective juror in the last five years.
The sheriff may also except you show reasonable cause.
To be exempted, you must:
- complete the form Application for exemption or disqualification from jury duty or for postponement of jury duty to a later session, enclosed with your summons;
- produce an affidavit under oath before a commissioner for oaths;
- send the form and affidavit to the sheriff, within the prescribed time, by registered or certified mail.
If the sheriff refuses to grant you an exemption, you can ask to have the decision reviewed by the judge when you appear for jury selection. You must present the reason why you wish to be exempted.
You have 20 days from the date of receipt of the summons as a juror to send the sheriff your application for exemption with an affidavit.
