What is a jury? In NSW, juries are usually made of 12 jurors selected from the electoral roll, although sometimes juries of 15 are empanelled in cases expected to last more than three months. Most criminal cases in the District and Supreme Courts are determined by a jury, and so are some large civil law cases and coronial inquests. Juries deciding civil cases usually consist of four members, although trials in the supreme court can be comprised of 12 members. Can I get out of jury duty? A person can apply to the Sheriffs Office to be excused from jury duty either temporarily or permanently. Reasons that you can seek an exemption are: That serving on the jury would cause you or your family undue hardship or serious inconvenience; That you have a disability which would render you from being suitable or capable of serving as a juror; That there is a conflict of interest, knowledge or acquaintance or friendship that could result in a perception of a lack of impartiality of a juror; or That there is any other reason that you to perform the functions of a juror. If you are called up, and know you are excluded from jury service, you must inform the sheriff before the day you are required to attend court. However, no matter how much you want to get out of jury duty, supplying false or misleading information to the Sheriff isn’t a good idea. This is an offence and carries a maximum fine of $5,500. Your employer cannot fire you or disadvantage you because you have been selected for jury duty. Doing so is a criminal offence, which could result in the court ordering heavy fines, imprisonment, or an order that the employer reimburse you for any lost wages, as well as order the employer to reinstate you. Get More Info on Jury Duty in NSW