Bring your summons and a photo ID

Your jury summons is the document that tells you when and where to report. Bring the entire thing — not a photo of it, not a copy, the original. The court uses it to check you in and verify you received proper notice.

Bring a government-issued photo ID as well. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The court needs to confirm you are who you say you are before you sit in the jury box.

If you have lost your summons, call the court listed on any paperwork you received. They can tell you the date, time, and location, and whether they need you to bring a replacement document. Do not skip this step and show up hoping it will work out — courts track who was summoned and who appeared.

Key Takeaways

  • Your original jury summons and a government photo ID are required; the court will not seat you without them.
  • Bring a notebook and pen for taking notes during the trial, which most courts allow and some encourage.
  • Leave your phone on silent or powered off during jury selection and the trial itself; using it can result in contempt charges.
  • Wear neat, casual clothing — nothing with offensive language, graphics, or political messages that could bias other jurors.
  • Bring snacks and water if the court allows them, because breaks may be short and the cafeteria may be closed or far away.

What to write with and write on

Bring a notebook and pen to take notes during the trial. Most courts allow jurors to take notes, and many judges encourage it because it helps you remember testimony and evidence. Use a small notebook that fits in your lap — not a laptop or tablet, which can distract other jurors and may not be permitted.

Do not rely on your memory alone, especially in longer trials. Testimony happens fast, and you may hear conflicting accounts from multiple witnesses. Writing down key facts, dates, and names as you hear them makes it easier to deliberate accurately later.

Bring a pen that works. A pencil is fine too, but a pen is less likely to smudge if you are holding the notebook for hours.

Leave your phone behind or turn it off completely

Your phone should be powered off during jury selection and the entire trial. Not on silent — off. A vibration or light can still distract you and other jurors, and judges take phone use seriously.

If your phone goes off in the courtroom, the judge may hold you in contempt, which can result in a fine or jail time. Even checking the time on your phone during a break can be seen as a violation if the judge has ordered phones off. The safest choice is to leave it in your car or at home.

If you have a genuine emergency — a sick child, a medical condition that requires you to check alerts — tell the judge before the trial starts. They may allow you to keep your phone on vibrate in a back pocket, but you have to ask permission first.

Wear appropriate clothing

Wear neat, casual clothing that shows respect for the court. Clean jeans and a t-shirt are fine. A button-up shirt or blouse is better. Avoid anything with offensive language, political slogans, or graphics that could influence other jurors or make the judge think you are not taking the process seriously.

Do not wear clothing that signals your views on the case or the defendant. If the trial involves a police officer, do not wear a "Back the Blue" shirt or an anti-police shirt. If it involves a corporation, do not wear clothing that advertises that company or criticizes it. Jurors are supposed to be neutral, and your clothing should reflect that.

Avoid very casual items like pajamas, athletic wear, or anything with holes or stains. The judge and attorneys will form impressions of you based partly on how you present yourself, and those impressions can affect whether they want you on the jury.

Bring snacks and water if the court allows them

Call the court the day before or the morning of your service to ask whether you can bring food and water into the jury room or courtroom. Many courts allow water bottles and snacks, but some do not. If they do allow them, bring something that will not make noise or create a mess — not a crunchy chip bag or a drink with a lid that might spill.

Jury duty can last all day, and breaks may be short. The courthouse cafeteria might be closed, far away, or have a long line. Having a granola bar, nuts, or a sandwich in your bag means you will not go hungry during lunch or a long afternoon session.

Bring water especially. Staying hydrated helps you focus during testimony, and you may not have time to find a water fountain between sessions.

Bring reading material for waiting time

You will likely spend time in a waiting area before jury selection begins. Bring a book, magazine, or newspaper to pass the time. Do not bring anything work-related — a laptop or work documents — because the court may interpret that as a sign you are not taking jury duty seriously or that you are too busy to serve.

Avoid reading material about law, crime, or the justice system, because it might bias your thinking before you know what the case is about. A novel or a magazine about sports, travel, or hobbies is a better choice.

Bring any documents the court requested

Your summons may ask you to bring specific documents — a recent pay stub, proof of citizenship, a letter from your employer, or proof of a hardship. Read the summons carefully and bring whatever it asks for. If you cannot find a document, bring a note explaining why and bring whatever you do have.

If the summons asks you to fill out a questionnaire before you arrive, do that and bring the completed form with you. Courts use these to learn about your background and any potential conflicts of interest before jury selection begins.

What not to bring

Do not bring weapons of any kind, including pocket knives or pepper spray. Courthouses have security checkpoints, and you will not be allowed past them with anything that could be used as a weapon.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. Do not bring anything illegal. Do not bring a pet, even a service animal that is not actively working (service animals that are working are allowed).

Do not bring valuables you cannot afford to lose. Jury rooms and waiting areas are not secure, and theft can happen. Leave expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, and electronics at home if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my laptop to work during jury duty?

No. Courts view laptops and work materials as a sign you are not fully committed to jury service. Bring a book or magazine instead. If you have a genuine work emergency, ask the judge during a break whether you can step out to handle it, but do not plan on working during the trial itself.

What if I forget my summons?

Call the court immediately and explain. They may tell you to come anyway with your ID, or they may reschedule you. Do not just show up without it — the court needs to verify you were properly summoned, and showing up without the document can cause problems.

Can I bring my emotional support animal?

Only if it is a trained service animal performing a specific task — guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone to a seizure, or similar. Emotional support animals without specific training are not allowed in most courthouses. Call ahead to ask about your specific situation.

Should I bring cash or a credit card?

Bring a small amount of cash for vending machines or the cafeteria if the courthouse has one. Many courts do not provide food, and you may need to buy lunch. A credit card is good to have as backup, but cash is faster if you are on a short break.

Can I bring my prescription medications?

Yes. Bring any medications you take regularly, and bring them in their original labeled bottles so security knows they are prescribed to you. If you need to take medication during the trial, tell the judge before it starts so they know to allow breaks if needed.