Model Juror Summons Project

California courts send out millions of juror summons a year. The 1997 Blue Ribbon Commission on Jury System Improvement recommended that an implementation task force produce a format for a standardized jury summons-for use, with appropriate modifications, around the state-that is understandable and has consumer appeal. Beginning in 1999, the Task Force on Jury System Improvements surveyed the courts and developed a standardized summons that would help the public understand the need for jury service, respond to the summons properly, and perform jury service.

Assembly Bill 1814, enacted in 2000, mandated adoption by the judicial branch of a "standardized jury summons for use, with appropriate modifications, around the state, that is understandable and has consumer appeal." In 2000, the Judicial Council adopted the model summons for voluntary use by the courts.

From February 2004 to January 2006 the Model Juror Summons Implementation Working Group planned, designed, and implemented the model summons. Approximately 15 counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Orange, San Diego, San Francisco, Solano, and Placer Counties either use the model summons or have adapted the model to their local court.

In November 2007, the Joint Working Group on Jury Administration assumed the responsibilities of the Model Juror Summons Implementation Working Group. The Joint Working Group on Jury Administration and the Judicial Council of California continue to guide the implementation process, making it easy for jurisdictions to transition to the model summons.

Beginning in 2018, the Jury Improvement Program assumed direct responsibility for the Model Juror Summons, implementing much needed updates for clarity, ease of use, as well as to account for changes to existing rules of court and California law.

Thumbnail of Model Juror Summons Page 1 Thumbnail of Model Juror Summons Page 2
(Picture of original standardized juror summons.)

The model summons:

  • Has a simple and open layout
  • Improves the appearance and readability of the summons
  • Lowers the costs of a two-step process through use of a one-step summons
  • Has consumer appeal; and
  • Improves juror comprehension of the summons and knowledge about jury service

Since May 2020, all 58 courts use the model summons as a reference.

View California's model summons.