Jury Commission Information

• Contact Us
• Meet the Jury Commission Team

Information for Jurors

• Jury FAQ
• iJuror
• Confirm That You are Needed
• Parking
• Juror Commitment
• Entering the Courthouse
• Juror Conduct
• Why Me?
• Why Should I Care?

Supporters of Jurors Information

• Medical Excuse Guidelines for Healthcare Providers
• Employment Information
• Information for Parents, Guardians, Spouses, or Loved One of a Juror

General Jury Duty Information

• Legal Lingo
• Grand Jury
• Petit Jury
• Steps to a Jury Trial
• Governing Laws

Disclaimer: This document is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It may not address every individual circumstance. These guidelines are provided solely to assist employers in understanding jury duty obligations and should not be considered exhaustive or legally binding. For specific legal concerns, consultation with qualified legal counsel is recommended.

What to Do If an Employee Receives a Jury Summons

Required Employer Actions
In the State of Illinois, employers are legally required to provide employees with time off to serve on a jury. There are no occupational exemptions for jury duty. Under Illinois Law (705 ILCS 305/4.1):

“An employer may not deny an employee time off for jury duty. No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate or coerce any employee by reason of the employee’s jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service.”
— 705 ILCS 305/4.1(a)

Employers must provide unpaid leave for the duration of an employee’s jury service or jury selection. However, many employers choose to go beyond the minimum legal requirement and offer paid leave as an employee benefit.

Jury Duty Matters

Jury duty is a cornerstone of our democracy. Both the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Constitution guarantee the right to a fair trial by an impartial jury.
Participating in jury service ensures this right is upheld by drawing from a diverse and representative pool of citizens. Every summons helps maintain a just legal system.

Why Consider Offering Paid Jury Duty Leave?

Employers who offer paid jury leave not only support civic responsibility, but also gain practical benefits:

• Competitive Advantage
  Paid jury leave can make your organization more attractive to top talent.
• Reduces Financial Hardship
  Jury pay from the court is minimal. Covering employee wages reduces financial strain and boosts morale.
• Strengthens the Legal System
  Encouraging participation helps ensure a fair and functioning justice system.
• Improves Employee Retention
  Employees who feel supported are more likely to remain with your company long term.

For Employees: What to Tell Your Employer

If you receive a jury summons:

1. Notify your employer as soon as possible.
   Share a copy of the summons with your supervisor or HR department.
2. Stay in communication.
   Keep your employer updated about the duration of your jury service, especially if you are selected for a trial.

Thank you for your active role in shaping justice in Winnebago County—jury duty is where civic duty meets impact.