Knox County Tennessee

Frequently Asked Questions


How was I selected?

Jurors are randomly selected by computer from driver’s license files.


How long will I be required to serve on the jury?

Jury duty in Knox County last two weeks if you are selected.


Will I have to report every day?

You will be required to call in each evening after 5:00 p.m. during your term to learn whether you are to report the following day.


Where can I park?

We recommend that you park in the Dwight Kessel Metropolitan Garage, located at State Street and Hill Avenue, one block East of the City-County Building.


What hours will I be required to work?

You will work from 9:00 a.m. until approximately 5:00 p.m. On the days when you are serving on a jury panel you generally will be dismissed not later than 5:30 p.m. The Court will allow you at least one (1) hour for lunch.  You will not be kept overnight at any time.


If I have a conflict, may I obtain a postponement?

A postponement can best be arranged during jury orientation session on your first day of service; or you may contact the Jury Coordinator to apply for a postponement.


What I have a physical or mental condition that causes me to be unable to perform jury service?

You may submit your request to the trial judge during orientation. You may also supply the Jury Coordinator with documentation verifying your condition and apply for an excuse from jury duty.


What can I do if jury duty would constitute an undue or extreme physical or financial hardship?

You may submit your request for an excuse to the trial judge during jury orientation on your first day of jury duty. You may also apply to the Jury Coordinator for an excuse on those grounds.


What do I tell my employer?

If you are employed you should tell your employer immediately that you have been summoned for jury duty.  Your employer must excuse you from work for jury duty, and may not discriminate against you in any manner for serving on the jury.


Will I suffer a loss of pay while serving on the jury?

You will be paid Eleven ($11.00) Dollars per day for each day you serve on the jury.

If you are a regular employee of an employer who employs five (5) or more people, you will be entitled to your usual compensation from that employer for the time you serve on the jury.  Your employer may, however, deduct the amount that you receive from the county for serving on the jury.


Am I required to serve if I am over a certain age, such as 70?

Yes, there is no maximum age beyond which a person is excused from jury duty


What happens if I am unable to get to the Courthouse on my first day of service because of bad weather?

If Knox County schools are closed because of bad weather on the first day you are to report for jury duty, you are not required to appear on that day.  You must appear on the first day that Knox County schools reopen.


What will happen if I do not respond to my jury summons?

If you fail to appear when summoned you may be held in contempt of court and fined Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).