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This document provides sworn evidence in support of a request to be excused from jury service in England and Wales. Jury service is a civic obligation under the Juries Act 1974, and exemptions or deferrals are not automatically granted. A formal written application supported by evidence, which may include a sworn affidavit, is submitted to His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) explaining the grounds for the request.

Under the Juries Act 1974 (as amended), a person is disqualified if they have served a custodial sentence exceeding five years, or have at any time served a sentence or community order within the last ten years. People under 18 or over 75 are also ineligible, as are those who are not registered to vote or not resident in the UK. Mental health conditions rendering a person incapable of serving also constitute a disqualification.

Since the Criminal Justice Act 2003 removed most automatic excusals, the courts now prefer to defer jury service to a later date rather than excuse it entirely. Grounds for deferral or excusal include a pre-booked holiday that cannot be cancelled, a medical condition making attendance very difficult, sole caring responsibilities with no alternative cover, or a pre-existing work commitment of exceptional importance. HMCTS assesses each case on its merits.

Yes. While HMCTS does not require a sworn affidavit as standard, submitting one alongside supporting documents (medical letters, holiday bookings, caring responsibility evidence) demonstrates the seriousness of the grounds. A sworn statement under the Oaths Act 1978 confirms that the facts are true on pain of criminal liability for perjury, which gives the application more evidential weight than an unsigned written request.

Failing to attend jury service when summoned, without a valid excuse, is contempt of court under the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and can result in a fine of up to one thousand pounds in England and Wales. HMCTS pursues non-attendance seriously. Submitting an affidavit or formal application is both the legally correct process and the practical protection against liability for non-attendance.

Yes, but the Equality Act 2010 requires courts to consider whether reasonable adjustments could enable a disabled person to serve before granting an outright excusal. HMCTS makes accommodations including accessible premises, hearing loops, and adjusted sitting hours. A medical practitioner's letter or report is typically required alongside the application; an affidavit confirms the impact of the condition on the person's ability to serve.

The application should be sent to the Jury Central Summoning Bureau (JCSB) at the address stated on the jury summons. It should be sent as soon as possible and well before the reporting date. HMCTS recommends contacting the JCSB promptly on receipt of the summons rather than waiting until the last moment. The affidavit should be accompanied by any supporting documentary evidence and the original jury summons reference number.

A pre-booked holiday is generally grounds for deferral rather than outright excusal. HMCTS will typically offer an alternative sitting date where the individual can fulfil their jury service obligation. Evidence of the booking, such as a confirmation and payment receipt, should accompany the application. If the holiday dates are entirely inflexible (for example, a wedding abroad), a sworn statement explaining why the date cannot be changed strengthens the case for deferral or excusal.