Are there age limits for jury duty in NC? Here’s what state law says about court summons
Every two years, North Carolina’s master jury list is updated with residents who can listen to testimony, review evidence, and help make decisions in civil and criminal trials.
But is there an age limit for who can be summoned to serve?
According to the state law, qualified jurors who are citizens of the State and residents of the county where a summons is issued must be at least 18 years old. While the law does not specify that there is a maximum age for jurors, those aged 72 and older are among those who can request to be excused.
“Any person summoned as a juror who is a full-time student at an out of state educational institution and who wishes to be excused or who is 72 years or older and who wishes to be excused, deferred, or exempted, may make the request without appearing in person by filing a signed statement of the ground of the request at any time five business days before the date upon which the person is summoned to appear,” the North Carolina Judicial Branch website states.
How are jurors selected in NC?
In North Carolina, the state’s master jury list is compiled by a three-person Jury Commission for each county, made up of licensed drivers and/or registered voters. From those lists, names are randomly selected if they meet the following qualifications:
U.S. citizen and county resident
At least 18 years old
Physically and mentally competent
Understands English
Has not served as a juror in previous two years
Has not served a full term as a grand juror in previous six years
Has not been convicted of a felony unless citizenship rights have been restored
You can find more information about jury service in North Carolina online at nccourts.gov/help-topics/jury-service/jury-service.
This story was originally published June 17, 2024 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Are there age limits for jury duty in NC? Here’s what state law says about court summons."
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