Information on jury service for Massachusetts college students from the Office of Jury Commissioner.

According to the Office of Jury Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “Every U.S. Citizen 17 years of age or older who is a Massachusetts resident or an inhabitant for more than 50 percent of the time is eligible to serve as a juror. If you are a resident of another state but a student at a Massachusetts college, you are an inhabitant for more than 50 percent of the year and, therefore, eligible to serve as a juror in Massachusetts.”

It is not unusual for students residing in Plymouth County to be summoned to serve as trial jurors. Jury service, on a short-term basis, can provide students with a good opportunity to fulfill one of their important responsibilities as members of the community. Bridgewater State University supports students in their fulfillment of this civic duty. Most jurors complete their service in one day, and virtually all are done within three days.

Students should carefully read all materials they receive with their summons to service, which contain helpful information about confirming, postponing, rescheduling, or relocating service, and address many of the most frequently asked questions. Jury duty is an important legal obligation, and those who fail to respond are subject to criminal prosecution.

Students who must miss class to fulfill their jury service requirement should notify each of their instructors of the summons and make arrangements to complete any missed work. Students may also visit or contact the Assistant Administrative Dean in the office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies to request a notification of absence be sent to their instructors. Please be advised, students may be required to provide their summons notice or the certificate of service when making these arrangements.

If you have any questions about jury duty, including confirming, postponing, rescheduling, or limiting your service, please contact the Office of Jury Commissioner (1.800.THE.JURY/1.800.843.5879). Note that the 800 number is available only to callers with a Massachusetts area code. Students calling from an out-of-state line may contact the Office of Jury Commissioner at 617.338.6409. You can respond to your summons online. Further information can be found on the Office of Jury Commissioner’s website.

Reviewed 8/2025 by Dr. Arnaa Alcon, Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs