What this tool does

This tool helps you reply to a jury summons when you cannot serve at the time you have been called. It tells you whether to ask for a deferral to a later date or to be excused altogether, what evidence to send, and then writes a short, polite letter setting out your reasons that you can send or copy into the online reply form.

It does not guarantee your request will be granted. That decision is made by the jury summoning officer.

When to use it

People use it when a summons arrives at a bad moment: a long term illness or disability, caring for a partner or parent, running a small business alone, exams, a holiday already booked, or an emergency at home, including a sick animal. It also helps if you are worried about money, because it explains the expenses jurors can claim so you can decide whether you still need to ask.

It covers England and Wales in the most detail, and points you to the right reply route in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the process is run differently.

How it works

You choose where you were summoned, your main reason and whether you want to defer or be excused, then describe your circumstances and the dates you could do. The tool gives you a short recommendation followed by a ready to send letter with spaces for your name and juror number. Nothing you enter is saved, and you do not need to give your name or email to use it.

Reply by the deadline on your summons. Ignoring a summons can lead to a fine, so if your request is refused, contact the summoning bureau straight away.