How to Get a Medical Excuse from Jury Duty

A documented medical condition is one of the strongest bases for a jury duty excuse. Courts recognize that forcing someone with a genuine health condition to serve could harm both the juror and potentially compromise the integrity of the trial.

What Medical Conditions Qualify?

Almost any condition that legitimately prevents you from fulfilling the duties of a juror can qualify. Courts look for conditions that affect your ability to sit for extended periods, concentrate for 6-8 hours, handle emotional stress, remember and process complex information, or physically access or remain in a courtroom.

Common qualifying conditions include: chronic pain or mobility issues, severe anxiety or PTSD, recent surgery or medical procedures, serious illness or ongoing treatment (such as chemotherapy), severe hearing or vision impairment, and acute mental health conditions.

Getting Your Doctor's Letter

What to Ask Your Doctor

When requesting a letter, be specific about what you need. Ask your doctor to: confirm your diagnosis (or describe your condition without naming it if you prefer privacy), explain specifically why jury service would be harmful or medically inadvisable, indicate the duration or expected timeline of your condition, and provide their license number, contact information, and signature on official letterhead.

What the Letter Should Include

• Written on the physician's official letterhead
• Physician's name, medical specialty, and license number
• Patient's name (your name)
• Statement that the patient is under their care
• Specific statement that jury service would be medically inadvisable
• The physician's signature and date

Your Privacy Rights

You are not required to disclose your specific diagnosis to the court. Your letter and physician's documentation can reference a "documented medical condition" that prevents jury service without naming it. The court may ask for more detail, but you have the right to keep your medical information private to the extent permitted by your state's rules.

Submitting Your Medical Excuse

Include the physician's letter with your excuse request. Some courts have a specific medical excuse form. Check the instructions on your jury summons or the court's website. Submit well in advance — medical documentation takes time to obtain.