Fair and impartial jurors are essential to our system of justice. It is, therefore, imperative that citizens be available to serve as petit jurors on civil or criminal cases or in grand jury proceedings. Maryland businesses and employers can help with this important public service by fully supporting petit and grand jurors while they serve.

There is no current legal mandate in Maryland for employers to compensate jurors for the time spent on jury service. However, many employers of all sizes do provide full compensation for jurors during their service, so that their employees do not experience any out-of-pocket loss during their time of service. Such employers can be recognized under the Maryland Judiciary's Partners in Justice program.

Employers are prohibited by law from taking adverse action against employees who are summonsed for potential or actual jury service. An employer who does so may be subject to criminal sanctions. Legislation pending gubernatorial action (HB 1185) also would bar requiring use of annual, sick, or vacation leave for jury service.