Jury duty in Pennsylvania is also a civic duty. This process helps maintain a fair legal system throughout the state and the U.S.Â
If you have a full-time job and receive a jury duty summons, you may face the challenge of balancing your work duties with your civic duty.
It is essential to understand that, although you have rights, ignoring a jury duty summons in Pennsylvania is a crime. It is a fact that you cannot escape, so you should work with your company’s HR department to find a solution.Â
What Happens If You Don’t Show Up?
If you fail to show up, you may be subject to a penalty. In extreme cases, the judge presiding over the case could even impose jail time on you.Â
Your company’s HR department can assist you in navigating the jury duty process.Â
When responding to a summons, the HR manager or specialist can discuss your rights with you. They may be able to explain what to expect.Â
Moreover, HR can advise you on how the company policies impact your absence (leave). Your company may have a written policy to cover jury duty leave. This will help you plan for the jury duty process.Â
Jury Duty in Pennsylvania
The court system finds eligible citizens from voter registration lists or other records. These citizens receive a summons, after which they may be selected for jury duty.Â
Just because you are summoned does not automatically mean you will serve. A process at the courthouse will determine whether you will serve or be sent back home.Â
Still, you cannot ignore the summons and fail to appear in court. You must respond to the summons within a determined timeframe.Â
If you are unable to serve jury duty for any reason, the court may allow you to postpone. However, you may face legal consequences if you ignore more than one summons or repeatedly request delays.Â
State Law and Employers
Pennsylvania does not require employers to pay employees their full wages while they are on jury duty. You may not receive your regular wages if you serve jury duty for weeks or months.Â
If your company has jury duty policies, it may offer paid jury duty leave as a benefit. This benefit can help you cover some of your financial losses.Â
Your company’s HR department is responsible for creating policies that comply with local, state, and federal laws. HR is also responsible for ensuring that all employees are aware of and understand these policies.Â
The Law Protects You From Being Dismissed During Jury Duty
It is important to note that the state’s laws also protect you from being fired while serving jury duty. Even if the case lasts for months, your employer cannot fire or discipline you for fulfilling a civic duty.Â
Your HR manager will explain these laws and rights to ease your mind about serving jury duty.Â
How HR Can Manage Jury Duty
You should approach your company’s HR department immediately after receiving a summons. Every company’s jury duty policies differ, so your HR manager should explain how to request time off from your manager or supervisor.Â
Technically, there should be a standard procedure in place. You would either go through your manager or supervisor to request time off, or you could apply directly to the HR department.Â
You must also provide a copy of the jury summons, which will likely be added to your employee file.Â
HR Employee Handbook
Your company should have an employee handbook that explains all company policies and procedures. The handbook should include a section on jury duty leave. If there is mention of paid time off, you can use this to cover your absence.Â
HR Best Practices When Handling Jury Duty
An HR department or manager must take several steps to handle jury duty leave applications. These go beyond explaining the company’s written policy on jury duty.Â
For example, HR should set strict deadlines for notifications. In your company, this may mean you must inform your manager the next day. The sooner your manager is aware of the situation, the easier it is to plan around your absence.Â
Your leave will be at least a few days long. Predicting how long a trial will last is impossible, but a few days to a week is a good starting point.Â
Furthermore, the HR manager should explain the financial side of the company’s jury duty policy. This should be made clear if there is no guarantee that you will be paid during jury duty.Â
Jury Duty Payments
You will likely receive a fee or stipend while serving jury duty, allowing you to earn some money while away from work. Jurors in Pennsylvania usually receive $9 per day for the first three days.Â
If your jury duty lasts longer than three days, you will receive $25 daily. Note that these payments originate from the court and are unrelated to your HR department.Â
Postponements or Exemptions
Should you need to apply for a postponement or exemption of jury duty, your HR department should be able to help you. HR can assist you in preparing the necessary documentation, such as proof of financial hardship.Â
Exemptions are rare, but you may be granted one if serving on a jury would result in severe hardship.Â
Impact of Jury Duty on Business Operations
A jury duty summons usually arrives when you least expect it. Your HR department should be well prepared, especially if more than one employee arrives with a summons.Â
Investing in cross-training is one of the best ways to prepare for jury duty absences. For instance, if you perform critical tasks, someone can take over for you while you are away.Â
It will also be beneficial for HR to review company policies periodically. These policies should always align with changing laws and be compliant at the same time.Â
Everyone Benefits From a Streamlined Jury Duty Policy
If your company’s HR department streamlines the jury duty policy, absences will have a minimal impact on business operations. You and the other workers will also be better prepared and informed when you receive a summons.Â
 Guest writer
Editor’s note: Labour legislation differs from country to country so readers are advised to check with legal practitioners in their country for legal advice that is relevant to their circumstances.
