Jury Service in Ireland and the UK: Fines, Pay, and Exemptions

Jury service mixes curiosity with dread, but the real penalty for missing it can be €500 in Ireland or £1,000 in the UK. This guide compares the two systems so you know your obligations before responding to that summons.

Juror eligibility age (Ireland): 18-70 | Summons notice period: minimum 7 days | Maximum fine (Ireland): €500 | Maximum fine (UK): £1,000 | Typical service length: 1-2 weeks

Jury service: key facts at a glance

The rules around jury service are strict, but they differ significantly between Ireland and the UK. Here is what you need to know before you respond to that summons, starting with the most critical numbers and legal requirements.

Can I refuse jury duty in Ireland?

Before you panic about the consequences, it helps to understand how the summons process works in each jurisdiction. The rules may seem similar, but the legal framework and the practical details are actually quite different.

Eligible age range (Ireland): 18–70 (with exemptions for over 70s) · Eligible age range (UK): 18–70 (with exemptions for over 70s) · Maximum fine for not attending (Ireland): €500 · Maximum fine for not attending (UK): £1,000

The Citizens Information (official state guide) notes that in Ireland, jurors are not paid by the court and travelling expenses are not allowed, though lunch is provided on days actually serving. This is a stark contrast to the UK, where the system is more generous in some respects but carries its own bureaucratic hurdles.

How do you get picked for jury duty in Ireland?

• In Ireland, the Courts Service issues the summons after a name is randomly selected from the electoral register. You can check the official process on the Courts Service of Ireland website.
• In the UK, the process is similar, but the GOV.UK guidance stresses that you must respond to the summons within a set timeframe, or you could face a fine.

If you are summoned for jury service, the moment you receive the notice is the moment you should start planning. The Law Reform Commission of Ireland notes that being unfit for service by reason of drink or drugs is an offence that can be fined — so don’t treat the process casually.

Do you get paid for jury service in Ireland?

Most people worry about losing income while on jury duty. The financial implications are significant, but the rules are surprisingly clear once you dig into them.

Citizens Information clarifies that in Ireland, for example, there is no payment from the court for jury service; you do not get an allowance for travel or subsistence. However, the Courts Service of Ireland states that your employer must allow you time off for jury service, and they are legally required to continue paying you. In the UK, the situation is similar: GOV.UK explains that your employer must let you attend, but they may only pay you for the first few days, with the court covering the rest.

According to the British Medical Association, doctors and other professionals have specific protections, but the general rule is that employers cannot penalise you for fulfilling your civic duty.

What is the best excuse for jury duty?

Both systems allow for excuses, but they are not a free pass. The bar for being excused is higher than most people expect.

In Ireland, the Citizens Information lists legitimate excuses including medical issues, family responsibilities, and other statutory grounds. However, the decision is at the discretion of the judge, and you may be asked to provide evidence. In the UK, the GOV.UK guidance confirms that you can request a deferral for a serious reason, but you cannot simply decide that you are too busy with work.

• Ireland: Excuses are valid for medical reasons, family responsibilities, or if you have a statutory reason. The judge has the final say, and you may need to attend court to explain your situation.
• UK: The rules are stricter — you must have a “significant” reason for a deferral, and the court will often require written proof.

If you are going through a trial, the Courts Service of Ireland warns that you must notify your employer of your jury service in writing, and you should not rely on a phone call alone.

What happens if you miss jury duty?

This is the part where the law gets serious. If you ignore a jury summons, you are not just being rude — you are breaking the law.

The Citizens Information outlines the strict liability offences: failure to attend without a reasonable excuse can lead to a fine, and being unfit for service by reason of drink or drugs is an offence that can be fined up to €500. In the UK, the GOV.UK guidance notes that you can be fined up to £1,000 for not attending, and the UK House of Commons Library states that there is no payment for the first few days of service, so you cannot claim you were unaware of the rules.

GOV.UK also explains that the penalties are not just a one-off fine; the court can also order you to pay costs, and persistent non-attendance can lead to more serious consequences.

Has anyone been fined for not attending jury duty in the UK?

Yes, there have been reported cases of individuals being fined for failing to attend jury service in the UK. Fines are imposed by the court, and non-payment can lead to further legal action. Always respond to a jury summons to avoid a fine.

What to wear for jury duty in Ireland?

You might not think about it, but what you wear to court matters more than you might expect. The Citizens Information notes that there is no official dress code for jury service in Ireland, but courtrooms require formal or smart-casual attire. “There is no official dress code for jury service in Ireland, but courtrooms require formal or smart-casual attire,” the guidance states. “Dress code is not formally codified and may vary by courthouse.”

In the UK, the same principle applies: the courts expect you to dress respectfully, but they won’t turn you away for wearing jeans. However, the official guidance from GOV.UK is that you should avoid anything that could be considered disrespectful, such as clothes with slogans.

How long does jury duty typically last in Ireland?

Jury service is not a one-day affair. Most trials are scheduled for a specific number of days, but the reality is that you could be called up for longer. The Citizens Information explains that multiple trials may be listed for a single jury session, which means you could be sitting for days at a time.

• Week 1: The trial is listed, and you report to the courthouse. You are assigned to a jury panel and may be selected for a specific trial.
• Week 2: If you are selected, you will be hearing evidence, deliberating with your fellow jurors, and reaching a verdict.

The Courts Service of Ireland warns that you should be prepared for the trial to last longer than expected, and the Courts Service of Ireland notes that you may not receive notice of the exact date until late.

What is the oldest age you can serve on a jury?

In Ireland, persons over 70 are eligible for jury service but can apply to be excused. In the UK, the upper age limit is 75 for jury service. The maximum age for jury eligibility in Ireland is 70 years.

Can you refuse jury service in the UK?

UK law does not allow you to refuse jury service without a valid reason. Penalties for unlawful refusal include fines up to £1,000. Deferral is possible for a later date.

If my jury duty is cancelled in the UK, do I still have to go to work?

If your jury service is cancelled, you are expected to return to work if your shift is still scheduled. Statutory jury service leave in the UK is the minimum legal right, but your employer must allow you time off for jury service. If you are not required to serve, you must contact your employer promptly.

What to do if you are exempt or have a genuine excuse

Not everyone can serve, and the law recognises that. If you have a good reason, you need to apply for an exemption or an excuse as soon as possible. The Citizens Information lists the statutory grounds for exemption in Ireland, while the GOV.UK guidance explains the UK process.

• Medical reasons: A note from your doctor is usually enough, but you must submit it with your summons form.
• Family responsibilities: If you are the primary carer for a child or dependent, you may be excused.
• Statutory grounds: Some professions are automatically exempt, such as judges and police officers.

The Courts Service of Ireland also notes that you may be able to have your service deferred to a more convenient time, but you must apply in writing and give a good reason.

1. Respond to the summons within the timeframe stated (usually by post or online).
2. Check your employer’s policy on pay and time off.
3. Prepare a list of valid excuses if you need to defer or be excused.
4. Organise your schedule for at least one week of potential service.
5. Dress smart-casual and arrive early on the first day.

Summary

Jury service is a civic duty that carries real weight, and while the fines are the most obvious deterrent, the real takeaway is that your employer must support you, but the court will not pay you. In Ireland, you get lunch but no travel expenses; in the UK, you might get some pay but only after a few days. The system is designed to be fair, but it is also strict — so jurors should not gamble with their liberty or wallet by ignoring a summons.

Related reading: Citizens Information · GOV.UK Jury Service Guide · Julie Ming Case · ISA Allowance Guide